The Zetterberg Era
Ball Hockey Sucks
Chirs Illitch was in his mid 30s and working for IBM at that time. The easier question is why would he let a money dispute Krupp had with his father 20 years prior bar him from hiring Krupp, llowkey one of the best coaches in hockey, as a coach?
I would be surprised if the family has a high opinion of him. What you're also suggesting would be extremely rare in terms of European trained coaches in the NHL. If we are going to Europe I am more interested in Rikard Gronborg.
The Ilitch family isn't short on enemies and grudges though. That is pretty well known throughout Detroit in terms of business partners and several other things that the family has held through to punishing for years. Keep in mind there has been minimal re-embracing of Fedorov.
Counter to your easier question. What do you think Chris Ilitch knows about Krupp? Would you go against years of the claim from your own family that someone bilked you out of money under less than ideal circumstances. Krupp's was a really nasty divorce. I question if Krupp would also really forgive the Wings either, since it has long been claimed by his side that the Wings did what they did to him because they mistakenly didn't insure his contract. This is a match I just cannot see. For a refresher here is an Albom story on it.
MITCH ALBOM ON: KRUPP V. WINGS: 'I WANT MY REPUTATION BACK'DOG-EAT-DOG LEGAL BATTLE RAGES ON OVER $12.3 MILLION » Mitch Albom
I really doubt this is a water under the bridge scenario. I don't think time heals all wounds.