Detroit Red Wings: Mike Babcock’s Decision Looms
By Joe Chapp
The Detroit Red Wings off-season has been anything but peaceful. With the uncertainty of the Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock, there’s been a little distraction to the normal Red Wings off-season.
When Babcock was given the opportunity to talk to other teams by the Ilitch Family and general manager Ken Holland it was a chance for him to perhaps find himself a new team, but before he was given that opportunity to talk to other teams, Babcock said in an interview with Darren Drager of TSN that he asked Holland if he had worn out his welcome in Detroit.
As I watched the interview on TSN, I thought to myself “He’s coming back”. Yet as I said that, I realized that there’s two jobs that might interest Mike Babcock.
The Buffalo Sabers and Detroit Red Wings.
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Then I asked myself, why would Babcock leave an organization like Detroit? They have a tradition of winning, money is usually no object, and they have high expectations. That all seems to be Babcock’s main goals as a head coach.
Babcock doesn’t take losing lightly. After the season as I watched the Red Wings Post game highlights and interviews on NHL Network, Babcock questioned his future and the teams asking “What happens when Z (Zetterberg) and Pavs (Datsyuk) leave?”
Do you blame Babcock for thinking about that? I don’t, you can’t he is looking to the future.
As I see it the Red Wings have some players who are making their way through the AHL and have a great chance to become big names in the NHL. Names like; Anthony Mantha, Dylan Larkin and Temmu Pulkkinen. Babcock going to the Czech Republic might have been the best thing for the Red Wings. Seeing Larkin play was “important” said Babcock in Fridays interview with Drager.
So really the more important question is why would Babcock leave for Buffalo? If he’s not going to coach a team that is so far away from winning such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, why then would he go to buffalo who are in the same if not worse state as the Maple Leafs? Yes,they will get a Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, but, it will take time for that team to turn it around, there isn’t instant winning there.
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Then there are just too many problems with the Sabers. If Babcock did take a job there the team has a terrible goaltender situation that lets him choose between Matt Hackett, Chad Johnson, and Anders Lindback. None of which had a spectacular season last season. Then there is the problem of if Evander Kane can keep his attitude in check and if Babcock could work with him.
While the team has upside in center Zemgus Girgensons and the once in a generation talent of Jack Eichel, who will more than likely be their first round choice in the June draft. This team just has too many lows at the moment for what Babcock seems to be looking for in a head coaching job.
Buffalo isn’t ready to compete, and Babcock the guy who loves to win. Buffalo would be the worst situation for Babcock. He also has a lot of reasons to stay in Detroit, his family loves it here, he has an outstanding relationship with his bosses in Mr and Mrs. Ilitch and Holland.
Don Cherry offered his advice to the Red Wings Head Coach, and it couldn’t be a better way to say it.
3) or the 4th defenceman? I hope Mike doesn’t make the same mistakes I made when I was the most sought after coach
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) May 15, 2015
4) Yes, I was the most sought after coach. I was the darling of hockey. Coach of the year, over 600 percent with the Bruins.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) May 15, 2015
12) I know, I’ve been there. San Jose looks good. Good team, good GM and great place to live. But my guess Mike, is you’ll stay in Detroit.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) May 15, 2015
13) Why shouldn’t you? Datsyuk and Zettberberg still have a lot of years left and good young talent coming. Mike seems go get along with GM
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) May 15, 2015
14) Kenny Holland and I know he’s working for the best owner in sports, Mr. Illitch. Take my advice from a guy who has been there Mike.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) May 15, 2015
15) . Don’t take the money and run. Stay where you are. Believe me the grass is not greener.
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) May 15, 2015
Don Cherry is right, Babcock leaving would tear Babcock apart and if he left the Red Wings I’d bet it’d be the worst decision Babcock could ever make.
Do I want Mike Babcock back? Of course, He’s an outstanding coach with a track record of success. Sure, the last few years haven’t been what Red Wings fans may have hoped for, but this team is on track to compete for a Stanley Cup this upcoming year with or without Babcock.
In the show must go on.
Next: What contract does Gustav Nyquist get from the Red Wings?