Don’t ask Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan if the team plans on moving anyone, because he’s only going to make you think. Trade rumors have been circulating the Wings lately, so, naturally, fans are curious, as are members of McLellan’s own family.
Things started heating up after the Red Wings recalled Nate Danielson, one of their most exciting prospects who would have likely earned a spot in the lineup if he hadn’t suffered an injury in the preseason.
On Tuesday, McLellan revealed “My son calls me and he says, ‘oh, you guys are trading some players.’
“No, we’re not. That doesn’t mean we won’t or ever will, but that’s not the reason why Danny’s here. Danny’s here because he played real well at training camp. We have some players that are struggling right now, and we thought he could inject a little life and some enthusiasm into the team and maybe provide us with some offense.”
It didn’t sound like McLellan gave his son any leeway. “No, we’re not. That doesn’t mean we won’t or ever will” is another way of saying, “maybe we will, maybe we won’t.” The takeaway is simple: McLellan is going to keep everyone guessing, and that’s the way it needs to be.
Just because, regarding Danielson, McLellan previously said, “We wanted to see him now, so we could make some decisions perhaps on some other players,” it doesn’t mean he’s pointing to a potential trade. With someone like Nate Danielson in the lineup who is already capable of playing middle-six and eventual top-six minutes, there’s no way they could bring him in without making tough decisions with other players.
Detroit wasn’t recalling Danielson to play between 10 and 11 minutes a game. What good would that have done when he could have had first-line minutes in Grand Rapids? That would risk hurting his development. So changes to the lineup were coming, especially after the Red Wings found themselves outscored 10-2 in their previous three contests.
McLellan made it clear that if you ask if there will be a trade in the near future or assume, he’ll use vague language and leave you guessing. Even if the Red Wings were leading the Atlantic Division instead of struggling, McLellan would have given the same answer.
The best organizations won’t tell you what their plans are or who they might move. Doing so fuels unwanted attention toward the team, and that could put the locker room on edge. Especially players who aren’t locked into a long-term deal with the Red Wings.
By giving a bland, but blunt, response to the media regarding his previous statements or even what his son said to him, he’s making sure the team’s focus doesn’t deviate from the ice. And the best way to keep everyone in town and make zero decisions on actually moving anyone elsewhere is if the team starts winning and playing consistent hockey again.
The wife of Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Wyatt Teller fired back after fans criticized her outfit in a video posted to the team’s social media feed.
The Browns posted a video celebrating Teller’s nomination as the team’s Salute to Service nominee for his dedication to supporting veterans and service members. His wife, Carly, surprised him at the facility, as well as his two children. Teller’s dad served as a reserve for both the Marines and US Army, per a press release from the Browns.
“It’s a special moment,” Teller said. “In a way, I feel like I’m honoring my dad and everything he stood for. I’m proud to represent the Browns and to continue supporting the men and women who serve our country.”
It was a heartwarming behind-the-scenes video of a Browns player spending time with his family. However, some fans quickly shifted the conversation, taking aim at Carly Teller’s outfit choice.
“I’m sure you are a great person and lovely family. Next time you go to your husband’s workplace full of virile athletes, please wear a bra and not a see-through top,” a fan said. “Looks unprofessional and that’s not the place.”
Carly Teller had the perfect response.
“Next time you go to comment about my nipples on the internet, please don’t,” she responded. “Looks gross and that’s not the place.”
Teller was a popular name at the trade deadline. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection in the final year of his deal, which could have been an attractive trade piece for a contender.
However, Teller stayed put in Cleveland — where he intends to stay long term and bring a winning culture back to the Browns.
“I don’t want to tuck tail and leave because I feel like a couple years ago we were that close to being in the AFC Championship,” Teller said earlier this month. “That’s just mindboggling for any Cleveland Browns fan. Because it’s just been since the ’80s since we’ve done it. We used to do it consistently, so how can we bring that culture back that goes to the playoffs, that has a winning team, that it’s not the same old Cleveland Browns?
“And I feel like we were right there and then just kind of took a step back. But I’m not blind to the fact that we’re right there. And again, as bad as the season is viewed or perceived, we’re like two or three plays away from a lot different season. Now how can we be more consistent and win, and that’s what good teams do late.”
An extension for Teller with the Browns does not appear imminent. But it is likely something the team will discuss this offseason, given the uncertainty around the future of their offensive line.
Veteran guard Joel Bitonio, now 34, is in the final year of his contract and could retire after a dozen seasons in Cleveland. Center Ethan Pocic is also playing on an expiring deal, and both tackle spots have been marked by inconsistency, adding to the Browns’ long-term uncertainty up front.
With Teller remaining in Cleveland at the trade deadline, a new deal could be on the horizon for the three-time Pro Bowler, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic.
“Given the state of the offensive line, getting a new deal done for Wyatt Teller figures to be a priority either later this season or in early 2026,” Jackson reported earlier this month.
Teller and the Browns will look to turn things around on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in front of a home crowd.