- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland and head coach Mike Babcock are heading over to watch the World Championships, including prospect Dylan Larkin who is on the U.S. team. Larkin will decide after the tournament if he’ll sign with the Red Wings or return to Michigan for another season.
“I’ve told Dylan we have no role in his decision,” Holland said. “I think whatever decision he makes is a great decision. Going back to Michigan for another year, playing with your age group is a positive. If he turns pro, no doubt he can play at the AHL level.
“Can he play at the NHL level? You don’t know that until he gets to camp. He’s still pretty young. The Detroit Red Wings will support his decision.”
- Darren Dreger: Mike Babcock’s status remains unchanged. Leaving for World Championships on Monday. All quiet in St. Louis with regards to Ken Hitchcock.
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: If the Oilers, or any other team, hires Todd McLellan, they’ll be getting Jay Woodcroft as well.
“Jay, if I get the opportunity to move on, will be part of my staff. I believe in him that much,” said McLellan of his assistant coach from San Jose who is also a member of his Team Canada staff at this IIHF World Championship here.
‘I think it’s really important when you find a guy that you can trust and who can keep you organized and prepared and works his butt off. It’s essential. And that’s the plan for me as I move forward.”
Jones puts the odds at no worse than 50-50 that McLellan is the next Oilers coach.
- Darren Dreger: Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli will interview Todd Nelson this weekend for the head coaching position. Chiarelli wants to get to know Nelson better. Nelson still has his AHL contract with their AHL team. If he’s not a fit in Edmonton, he’s expected to get some interest from other NHL teams.