- Ansar Khan of MLive: As Mike Babcock decides on his future, he said the opportunity to win and his family, mainly wife, will be the main factors in his decision. He only wants to coach.
“I am part of making decisions here, but I have no skill-set to be the general manager,” Babcock said. “Anybody who thinks I want to go somewhere to be a general manager, they’re talking to the wrong guy.
“I’m a coach, I love to coach. I love the players, I love the competition, I like being close to the ice. I love what I do; I think I’m good at it. I have no interest in sitting where Kenny sits at all.
“So do I want to have input? Yes. Do I have input here? Lots.”
Babcock is under contract with the Red Wings until it expires on June 30th, and GM Ken Holland won’t allow Babcock to speak with other teams.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Babcock is looking to make at least $4 million per year on his next contract, making him the highest paid coach.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: The Red Wings won’t get into a bidding war over Babcock with a team who would go five or six years at $25 or $30 million. That is not saying they won’t improve on their $3 plus million offer. The Oilers, Maple Leafs, Sabres and Flyers all wait on Babcock’s decision. Keep hearing the Leafs will pay whatever it takes, but they are a multi-year rebuild. Oilers may be the most appealing with their new management structure and first overall pick. Seems like a perfect fit in so many ways.
GM Ken Holland on the Mike Babcock situation.