Vyacheslav Kozlov was the quiet one among the group when the Russian Five was dominating for the Detroit Red Wings. He was quietly effective, though he would shun the limelight being shone upon his accomplishments.

He can’t escape the spotlight this time, though. Kozlov is returning behind the bench for HC Dynamo of the KHL. His old club is off to a struggling 1-4 start, and he’s been brought back into the fold as an assistant coach to help head coach Alexey Kudashov implement a turnaround.

Kozlov was quick to dispel any notion that he’s going to be some sort of savior for the club.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Kozlov told Russian website Sport-Express. “It’s wrong. The club has qualified coaches.

“It’s not about me.”

Still, the fact of the matter is, they are bringing him back to the team because of the strong relationship Kozlov maintains with the players and the high level of respect he holds in the dressing room.

Vyacheslav Kozlov https://t.co/WgBJGSahVF pic.twitter.com/IO9zkiSMzg

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“We have always had a trusting and working atmosphere,” Kozlov said. “The players know my requirements, and I am always honest with them.

“If something goes wrong, I tell them directly about it.”

Former Red Wings Player Took Head Coaching Position

Kozlov left the Dynamo staff in the summer to take the head coaching position with Sochi. However, he was fired before getting the chance to coach a game. It was rumored he would join the staff of former Red Wings forward Gerard Gallant with the Shanghai Dragons. That move never materialized.

“I am glad to be back (with Dynamo),” Kozlov said. “I will try to make every effort to improve the problem areas that currently exist.”

Sergey Sushko, general director of HC Dynamo, wasn’t trying to hide his delight at being able to bring Kozlov back to help his struggling team.

Vyacheslav Kozlov pic.twitter.com/lwqDrpBwd7

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“We are glad to welcome Vyacheslav Kozlov to Moscow Dynamo,” Sushko said on the club’s website. “A specialist with extensive experience and authority will once again work for the benefit of our beloved club. High intelligence, good knowledge of English, competent work with legionnaires, and setting up the game in the majority make the specialist universal for a large number of tasks within our coaching staff.

“Vyacheslav has come a long and powerful way, having won two Stanley Cups during his playing career — many players would envy this. We are glad to see the return of the coach — I am sure that together with him we will reach great heights.”