Wojo: Babcock could be the first Red Wing to leave.

[everyoneneedsasmil]

Sounds like Babs didn't get as much interest out there as he wanted.

Return to the Wings seems likely.

What makes you say this? Babs definitely had multiple offers on the table outside of Detroit. I don't think Edmonton was really a good fit for him in the first place. Other than McDavid, they don't have much going for them. It never made sense for Babs to go to a team that was 2-3 years away from contending.

 

[kingofdetroit57]

The Detroit News is giving the impression that it's down to Detroit and Buffalo and that a decision should be coming tomorrow.

 

[sggatecl]

The Detroit News is giving the impression that it's down to Detroit and Buffalo and that a decision should be coming tomorrow.

Makes sense. Nationalism aside, Toronto is a shit hole of an organization right now and rumor has it Babcock doesn't feel comfortable looking into a team that already has a coach.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Why even look if he can stay here? Begs the question, does he want to be in Detroit? I expect no.

 

[sggatecl]

Why even look if he can stay here? Begs the question, does he want to be in Detroit? I expect no.

He's doing his fellow coaches a disservice if he doesn't shop himself around. Babcock strikes me as the kind of guy that would want to improve things for his fellow coaches.

 

[dubbsco]

Mitch, why does any free agent look around? If he looks around, and decides to stay, I will feel just the same as if he signed 10 days ago. He's a human being, and he's got the option to explore what is best for his family.

 

[inkfreq]

What makes you say this? Babs definitely had multiple offers on the table outside of Detroit. I don't think Edmonton was really a good fit for him in the first place. Other than McDavid, they don't have much going for them. It never made sense for Babs to go to a team that was 2-3 years away from contending.

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/c...t-red-wings-mike-babcock-drew-sharp/27508683/

 

[Mitchrapp]

Mitch, why does any free agent look around? If he looks around, and decides to stay, I will feel just the same as if he signed 10 days ago. He's a human being, and he's got the option to explore what is best for his family.

I get that but coaches are different. They usually look around once they get fired. It's just unique to me is all..

 

[JScottWriter]

Just saw on yahoo sports that he is in contract talks with Buffalo.

 

[sggatecl]

Just saw on yahoo sports that he is in contract talks with Buffalo.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/05/19/ap-source-babcock-in-contract-talks-with-buffalo-sabres/

 

[dubbsco]

Personally, I'm okay with the decision either way. If he comes back, we have one of the best coaches to root for. If he doesn't, they'll be just fine with some new blood.

 

[biggunsbob]

McClellan signed with Edmonton.

 

[jdeb]

If he signed with Buffalo over Detroit them that tells you there was some serious issues with Holland.

 

[lucke]

If he signed with Buffalo over Detroit them that tells you there was some serious issues with Holland.

No it doesn't. It tells you that Buffalo offered $5M per (5 or 6 years) and has 2 top 2 picks on its young roster. Nothing to do with Holland.

 

[jdeb]

No it doesn't. It tells you that Buffalo offered $5M per (5 or 6 years) and has 2 top 2 picks on its young roster. Nothing to do with Holland.

If you say so. It never should have got this far if the Red Wings wanted him.

 

[lucke]

If you say so. It never should have got this far if the Red Wings wanted him.

You can't sign a coach if he doesn't want to sign and instead wants to test the open market.

 

[dubbsco]

TSN reporting that Babcock is not coming back to Detroit.

 

[zyxt9]

Babs, it was nice having you around.

Now, who should be the next coach? I'll throw out a name here that is incredibly unlikely / will never happen, but what the hell. If I was Holland, I'd be calling up Igor Larionov to see if he wants to coach the Wings, and I'd offer him a boatload of money to do it. I know, I know, he's never coached anywhere...but he always came across as an ideal coach from everything I've ever heard. I guess his heart isn't in it, but it would still be worth the phone call to test the waters.

 

[dubbsco]

Blashill seems to be the heir apparent, but I'm not so sure why that's the immediate answer. I think Holland needs to do a good search and not just hand the reigns to him.

 

[zyxt9]

Blashill seems to be the heir apparent, but I'm not so sure why that's the immediate answer. I think Holland needs to do a good search and not just hand the reigns to him.

Remember the last time the Wings promoted from within? Yeah, I tried to forget that too.