Keenan Reportedly Set to Take Red Wing Job

On the eve of what could be the New York Rangers’ first Stanley Cup championship since 1940, talk centered not on putting to rest their past but on widespread speculation Coach Mike Keenan will leave to become general manager and/or coach of the Detroit Red Wings.

A radio station in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island reported Wednesday that Keenan’s move to Detroit will be announced after the finals. The Rangers’ triumph could be completed tonight at Madison Square Garden. They hold a 3-1 lead over the Vancouver Canucks.

Ranger spokesman Barry Watkins said the club would have no comment on any speculation regarding Keenan. He also said the Red Wings have not asked the Rangers permission to talk to Keenan, who is completing the first year of a five-year contract with the Rangers. It’s unclear whether Keenan has an escape clause that would let him out of the contract should he be offered a general manager’s job.

Watkins also said Ranger General Manager Neil Smith would not discuss the report. “It’s inappropriate to comment on any speculation,” Watkins said.

The Detroit News, quoting Red Wing sources, said Keenan’s hiring as general manager and coach would not make sense because the Red Wings have already paid Coach Scotty Bowman $1 million and are contractually obligated to pay him about $1 million more next season.

The New York Post, in Wednesday’s editions, reported that Bowman would move to director of player personnel if Keenan were to come aboard as coach.

“That is not true,” said Bowman, speaking from his home near Buffalo, N.Y.

Keenan, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, said this season he did not want to become a general manager because of the demands it would place on his time.