My friend Robin's Dad Bobby Kromm

There was a write up on him in Today's Windsor Star
Sports Section

Kromm won top coach award
Cancer claims former Wings bench boss
Star News Services June 12, 2010 •Story•Photos ( 1 )
Chicago's Dustin Byfuglien, right, carries the Stanley Cup;past fans during a parade in Chicago Friday.
Photograph by: Jeff Haynes, Reuters, Star News ServicesFormer Detroit Red Wings coach Bobby Kromm, who won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year, died Wednesday from complications of colon cancer.

HE HAD TURNED 82 TUESDAY.

In 1977-78, Kromm led the Wings to a 32-34-14 record that included the franchise's first playoff berth since 1970 and first playoff series win since 1965-66 in a preliminary-round victory over Atlanta.

Although Detroit fell in the next round to defending champion Montreal, Kromm was named the league's best coach.

"We didn't have the greatest talent, but we were always on the attack," Wings broadcaster Paul Woods told mlive.com.

The Red Wings missed the playoffs the following season and Kromm was fired late in the 1979-80 season.

His record in Detroit was 79-111-41.

His son Richard scored 22 goals for the junior B Windsor Royals in 1980-81.

KABERLE RUMOURS

The New York Post reported that the New Jersey Devils may be a strong bidder for the services of Maple Leafs' defenceman Tomas Kaberle.

The Post quotes sources who say that Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello could be targeting the Maple Leafs blue-liner for a trade in the coming weeks.

Kaberle has one year remaining on his contract and an upcoming window in which his no-trade clause will be lifted.

He is set to make $4.25 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. Toronto is rumoured to be interested in receiving at least a high draft pick.

PHANEUF IN LINE

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to name Dion Phaneuf as the club's 17th captain next week, according to a report on TSN.ca.

The team will hold a news conference Monday where they'll make an announcement and unveil a new Maple Leafs sweater.

Toronto has been without a captain since Mats Sundin did not re-sign with the team after the 2007-08 season.

EX-SPIT LIKES PHILLY

Ex-Spitfire Michael Leighton said he definitely wants to return to the Philadelphia Flyers next season.

An unrestricted free agent, Leighton said he considered himself a No. 1 goalie and doesn't know if he'll be back next year.

"I enjoyed my time here, I enjoyed the guys and the organization," Leighton told USA Today.

"It's kind of up to the team. I've still got to meet with Homer (Paul Holmgren) and talk it over."

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