Todd Nelson set to be next Griffins head coach

By @MichaelCaples –

It appears that the decision has been made on who will replace Jeff Blashill in Grand Rapids.

Per TSN’s Darren Dreger, Todd Nelson agreed to a contract with the Griffins yesterday, which means he will be the next man in charge of the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids.

Mike Sullivan leading candidate to coach Wilkes Barre. Likely announced this week. Todd Nelson agreed to contract with G. Rapids Yesterday.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 17, 2015

The Detroit Free Press has confirmed the Dreger report, as well.

Nelson, 46, is familiar with West Michigan already – he played professional hockey both with the Griffins, the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the IHL and the Muskegon Fury of the UHL. His coaching career began with the Fury in 2001-02, and then he served as an assistant coach in Grand Rapids for a season before becoming the Fury’s head coach. He last served as interim head coach for the Edmonton Oilers, after coaching their AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City for five seasons.