Today, the Detroit Red Wings added a new dimension to free-agent frenzy. They have decided to allow head coach Mike Babcock to explore the waters of free agency. Red Wings GM Ken Holland held a teleconference with Detroit media earlier today where he announced what was going on. “What I’ve decided,” said Holland. “What Mike Babcock and I have decided I guess, is we’re gonna give Mike permission to explore other opportunities,” Holland said during a 21-minute teleconference with Detroit reporters on Friday afternoon.
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It’s likely Babcock will set a record for a coaches’ contract no matter what team ends up with him. If any other team is able to seduce Babcock away from the organization, they will have to turn over a third-round draft pick to Detroit within the next three years. The Red Wings conditions are pretty modest once you factor in Babcock’s value. He’s helped the Red Wings maintain the longest playoff streak in the NHL.
“As long as a team understands if they sign him we’re getting compensation we’re going to give those teams permission,” Holland said. “Whatever teams want to talk to him, as long as they understand if they sign him or hire him we get draft-pick compensation. If they’re good with that they’re free to talk to him.”
Babcock could be looking for a team that’s ready for a deep playoff run, and there are a few similarities. The Red Wings and the Bruins are starting to feel their age, and Babcock’s pedigree would certainly excite the fans at the Bruins front office.
So, what are the chances that the Boston Bruins could get Babcock?
Puck Prose
To be honest, not very good. It’s a little confusing to see why so many organizations would want to tie Babcock to the Bruins organization.
If the Bruins organization was looking to get rid of Julien, they would have done it already. Even if you want to believe that the B’s are waiting on their next GM to make the big decision for them. Cam Neely has made it clear that he would like things done a certain way, and he certainly had the power to let Julien go at any point up till now.
Babcock has made a home for himself in Detroit, and it’s unlikely he’d pack and move across the country (or the continent) unless the offer was obscene. Also, there will be at least half a dozen teams looking for Coach Babcock, and the Bruins have bigger fish to fry right now. If (and that’s still a pretty big ‘if’) Babcock leaves, he’ll likely go to a team that can go further in the playoffs than they are now.
Then again, he always end up with the Edmonton Oilers, Buffalo Sabres, or even the Toronto Maple Leafs.