Babcock granted permission to talk to other teams

[Barrie 900]

Edit: If not Blash, I'd give Paul Heyman a shot. He knows what it takes to manage a champion.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman"

[kipwinger 8,520]

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman"

That would rule soooo much.

[Barrie 900]

St. Louis seems a tempting location for him, if they clear out Hitch in time. Stillman has no issue with putting the money in for his Blues. The media is rather easy in St. Louis and team is loaded with talent, but is in desperate need of a culture change. Babcock with a move or two could make a strong regular season team into a much deadlier playoff team.

I've been saying since Day 1, Babs is going to St. Louis.

[Guest Playmaker]

Every single free agent, prior to leaving a place, talks about how great it is, and how much they love it, and how it's not about the money it's about winning, and how no decisions have been made...blah, blah, blah.

Anybody remember Max Scherzer, or Ndamukong Suh, or Valtteri Filppula?

It's bulls***. He's as good as gone. And it's almost certainly about the money. He probably wants a bunch of it. And the organization probably doesn't think he's worth it given the team's performances over the last 5 or 6 years.

Honestly, I really don't recall Suh or Flip expressing their undying love for Detroit or about really wanting to stay. Not saying that it didn't happen. Just don't remember anyone being as vocal or as specific about the situation as Babcock. Scherzer did want to come back to Detroit. Boras came back to the Tigers after the Nats offer and wanted Ilitch to match and he said f*** you, get lost. Good call. Flip left for less money and a shorter term contract than he was offered from Detroit.

[Barrie 900]

That would rule soooo much.

Agreed!

[TheDetroitRedWings 286]

Somewhere Jeff Blashill is crossing his fingers.

[RedWingsRox 614]

Just don't let him sign where we want to trade Smith and Weiss....

Rumor: Weiss, Smith, Jurco for Phanuef...so ya, no Toronto, he won't want nor play any of those three!

Trade them now before the music stops in the NHL Coach Musical Chair game.

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

Blashill or Babs I won't lose any sleep over who our coach is

Then we can all "shock" the hockey world yet again when a rookie coach leads us to the playoffs

It's not that easy. You're comparing an NHL coaching artist to a guy with zero NHL head coaching experience. Blashill is great but I still have skepticism about whether he can be the same Blashill at an NHL level. It's a whole different style and competition.

----

Babs did make it pretty clear in his previous interview that anytime he left for a new place, there was always a better place to go to. And he also mentioned that this time around, there ISN'T a better job. I think he just wants to see if it's true. And if it isn't he will probably be heading out of Detroit.

We have a ton of leadership in the locker room that goes a long way, I don't see too much changing. Losing Babs will be a transition but not like what your making it out to be.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Guest Playmaker]

Challenges?

Like taming a butch lesbian, and getting her to like men?

Sounds like he's in the running for GM/coach in Toronto.

EDIT - and for the record - I'm a raging butch lesbian - just trapped in a man's body.

I'm thinking you could be the star of the first LGW reality show. Just hoping there's no sex tape.

[Dominator2005 558]

Classy move by Holland. Still hope that Babs will be back

[kliq 3,755]

It all depends on how "he" views our kids. Whether you're excited about them or I'm not is irrelevant.

Babcock will have to decide whether he wants to coach young established stars or guys who may/may not become stars.

Somehow, I don't think our roster fits this description.

Besides, a coach of his caliber likes challenges. The challenge will likely be to win elsewhere than to attempt to bring this team back to prominence.

My comment was in reference to you saying "Not sure why he'd want to stay" (see below). I was simply telling you what the reasons would be.

If I indicated that my opinion in some way effected Babcock, that was not my intention lol. I am fully aware that what I think is irrelevant to him..

Yeah right. It's like banging the same girl. You get tired after a while and want a new one. Not sure why he'd want to stay.

[kickazz 5,459]

We have a ton of leadership in the locker room that goes a long way, I don't see too much changing. Losing Babs will be a transition but not like what your making it out to be. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Losing babs for say someone other than Blashill could actually bring a whole different change. Coaching style is an important aspect in this league. If we end up with the likes of Tortorella (just an example), that could dramatically change the locker room and on-ice work ethic and discipline.

Our best bet is Blashill because he's been groomed to work in the same system as Babs. I still think Babs is the best option. Except of course the options are his to take not the Wings.

The point is, there will definitely be a change in atmosphere with a new coach. Good or bad, who knows. But a coaching change does have an big impact. Especially in this league.

Edited May 8, 2015 by kickazz

[Hey man nice shot! 144]

Losing babs for say someone other than Blashill could actually bring a whole different change. Coaching style is an important aspect in this league. If we end up with the likes of Tortorella (just an example), that could dramatically change the locker room and on-ice work ethic and discipline.

Our best bet is Blashill because he's been groomed to work in the same system as Babs. I still think Babs is the best option. Except of course the options are his to take not the Wings.

The point is, there will definitely be a change in atmosphere with a new coach. Good or bad, who knows. But a coaching change does have an big impact. Especially in this league.

scary truth

[number9 3,297]

"Has the Detroit diamond finally lost it's shine?"

[STL-Wings 36]

Why change one 'cock' with another one? ... sorry couldn't resist.

Hitch is a good friend of Babs, I wonder if that has any bearing on it, knowing that if you say yes, your friend will be unemployed. Don't know if Hitch's job is secure or on thin ice but yah, St. Louis is way too much talent to be one and done. They need goalie but that's a problem that a coach cannot rectify or solve.

Hitch was kinda given time to figure out his future as well. It's a weird situation in St. Louis too with their coach. Depending on that outcome, then I think a player or two gets moved. The fanbase would lose their minds if the exact same roster/coach appeared opening night.

I dont think Babs would go there if it meant his buddy would be forced out.

No one here or, perhaps, in the front office knows what is up with the STL coaching situation. But if Hitch does leave, STL would be very smart to make a very good offer to Babcock and the nature of the team/organization/city seems like a decent fit, on paper.

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

Losing babs for say someone other than Blashill could actually bring a whole different change. Coaching style is an important aspect in this league. If we end up with the likes of Tortorella (just an example), that could dramatically change the locker room and on-ice work ethic and discipline.

Our best bet is Blashill because he's been groomed to work in the same system as Babs. I still think Babs is the best option. Except of course the options are his to take not the Wings.

The point is, there will definitely be a change in atmosphere with a new coach. Good or bad, who knows. But a coaching change does have an big impact. Especially in this league.

I agree 100%. My post was directed at us using Blashill 100%, and if Holland goes and signs anyone else my god...

"Has the Detroit diamond finally lost it's shine?"

Not yet. Holland hasn't stopped pumping the tires. The Locker Room interview, he said we were leaking oil.

Is our team a ******* car?

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

Is our team af****** car?

Bahahha.

That's hilarious.

[number9 3,297]

I agree 100%. My post was directed at us using Blashill 100%, and if Holland goes and signs anyone else my god...

Not yet. Holland hasn't stopped pumping the tires. The Locker Room interview, he said we were leaking oil.

Is our team af****** car?

It is the motor city... and we do have a tire for a logo lol

[evilmrt 636]

Losing babs for say someone other than Blashill could actually bring a whole different change. Coaching style is an important aspect in this league. If we end up with the likes of Tortorella (just an example), that could dramatically change the locker room and on-ice work ethic and discipline.

Our best bet is Blashill because he's been groomed to work in the same system as Babs. I still think Babs is the best option. Except of course the options are his to take not the Wings.

The point is, there will definitely be a change in atmosphere with a new coach. Good or bad, who knows. But a coaching change does have an big impact. Especially in this league.

There needs to be a bit of a shakeup. This can happen with a coaching change, like you describe, or some significant roster changes that Holland seems unable/unwilling to do. I'm really uncomfortable with staying the course for next season on BOTH of those fronts.

A coaching change seems more realistic.

[Richdg 267]

http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comments/holland-explains-his-decision-to-allow-teams-to-speak-with-mike-babcock?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Holland has spoken to the media. Apparently the Wings drafted a "letter of compensation" that teams must sign if they want to have serious discussions with Babcock. They'll get a 3rd round pick. Also, it seems like this window closes May 25th.

Yup. Knew this was coming. Teams want sure things and control.

[kliq 3,755]

Yup. Knew this was coming. Teams want sure things and control.

That is weird.....I'm surprised Babs would do this if he is actually leaving. Why would he want the team he is going to, to lose a draft pick just to talk to him early. Obviously not a make or break move, but does slightly hurt his knew team. Maybe this is just to assess his market value.

[TheXym 2,606]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that Babcock was aware of his contract implications for all NHL coaches, and had some interest in raising the pay scale for all of them. Getting market value regardless of his destination only makes sense.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

That is weird.....I'm surprised Babs would do this if he is actually leaving. Why would he want the team he is going to, to lose a draft pick just to talk to him early. Obviously not a make or break move, but does slightly hurt his knew team. Maybe this is just to assess his market value.

I see it as Mike doing a solid for Kenny. They have a good relationship, but it's just time for Mike to go elsewhere. He gets paid, we get a 3rd from whatever team and then move to Blashill.

[kickazz 5,459]

Clarify this for me because I'm seeing mixed things about this on the internet:

Do we get a 3rd round pick if a team ONLY "talks" to him early. Or

Do we get a 3rd round pick if a team "talks" AND signs him once his contract is over?

Edited May 9, 2015 by kickazz

[frankgrimes 1,836]

Just listened to Holland and I hope the Leafs fans are listening seriously: ..."we are not going to lose someone because of money.." thanks god someone better tell them that Mr. I will go through the roof if he wants to extend, sign someone. They are competing with a small market club here.

I think St. Louis, Penguins and Ducks are the best established options and obviously the 2 upcoming teams with generational talents in McDavid and Eichel. Then of course one or two dark teams. Wherever he ends up I wish him nothing but the best and more cups. That being said if the Wings lose Babcock and bring in Blashhill maybe it's time for finally go into rebuild mode and try to build a contender for the future instead of just making the playoffs.

Replacements I'd like to see Blashill, Todd McLellelan, maybe Bylsma or Hitchcock Julien (if the Bruins fire him)