Would you expect Chris Chelios to be anything but candid?
In his forthcoming book, the three-time Norris Trophy winner writes honestly about Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, a relationship he touched on during a radio interview with Sportsnet 590 The Fan’s Brady and Walker Wednesday.
LISTEN: Chelios talks Red Wings, Shanahan, celebrities
“As for Shanny, we had our issues. There’s no question I’d take Shanny on my team. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had on the ice. He stood up, was a great power forward,” Chelios said.
Shanahan and Chelios spent seven seasons together in Detroit, sharing sips from the Stanley Cup in 2002. The two entered the Hockey Hall of Fame together in 2013.
“The one shot I’d take at Shanny is — you be the judge — if you like politicians, then Shanny’s your guy. If you don’t, well, then you don’t like him. I’ll leave it at that.”
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The defenceman is set to release his first book, Chris Chelios: Made in America, next month, co-written with a hockey writer he trusts, USA Today‘s Kevin Allen.
“I still haven’t read it yet. I’m a little nervous,” said Chelios, adding he’s still baffled that he went from being cut from his college team in San Diego to a Hockey Hall of Fame career. “I kinda wanted to send a message to kids as far as facing adversity.”
In addition to shedding light on his relationship with Shanahan, Chelios was complimentary to former teammate Steve Yzerman, who has also graduated to an NHL front office.
But the seven-time all-star also had his share of on-ice beefs.
“I never got along with Luc Robitaille until he got to the team — on the ice, we’re talking,” Chelios said. “Mostly because it was my thing. I had some bug up my ass about skilled players. Unfortunately I had to go up against them my whole career, and it was no fun going against those top guys and trying to get under their skin.
“But that was my role.”