And we’re off!
DET has granted Mike Babcock permission to talk to other NHL teams. Window open til late May. Doesn't mean Babcock leaving DET, window open.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 8, 2015
In case it wasn’t clear that Red Wings coach Mike Babcock was at least considering a move, there’s the proof.
There are four official head-coaching vacancies in the NHL -- Buffalo, Philadelphia, Toronto, and San Jose. You can count Edmonton as well, given interim coach Todd Nelson will reportedly interview for the full-time position. Meanwhile, questions remain about Ken Hitchcock’s future in St. Louis, Claude Julien’s in Boston, and the Devils probably won’t be going with co-coaches again next season.
Speculation has linked Babcock to the jobs in Buffalo, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Edmonton. We’ll see if any of those clubs can sell him convincingly enough to leave a team that hasn’t missed the playoffs since Steve Yzerman was a youngster.
Any team looking to hire Mike Babcock will have to send a third-round draft pick to the #redwings as compensation.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 8, 2015
Related: Babcock to meet with Holland, expects to make Red Wings decision in 10 days