Has anything progressed in the Detroit Red Wings’ negotiations with Mike Babcock?
Well, not according to Babcock.
In response to an article by Bob Duff of the Windsor Star suggesting the Red Wings are nearing a contract extension with their head coach, Babcock told reporters that nothing has changed between the two sides.
Watch Babcock’s response Thursday, via the Detroit Free Press:
According to the Free Press, the Red Wings have tabled an offer of at least five years and around $15 million, which would make Babcock the highest-paid coach in the NHL.
The offer has apparently been on the table since September.
Yahoo! Sports’ Nick Cotsonika tweeted Babcock’s response Thursday.
Red Wings GM Ken Holland has repeatedly said he hopes Babcock remains with the team. Cotsonika tweeted that Detroit wants the coach to re-sign sooner rather than later, but that the ball is in Babcock’s court.
Babcock said he doesn’t expect an extension will be signed before the season is over.
On the heels of Babcock’s 500th career win this past weekend, the Free Press asked him where he might be coaching for victory No. 600.
“I don’t know the answer to that, to be honest with you,” Babcock said. “I’m real happy in Detroit and doing everything I can to do a good job so I can stay where I’m at as long as I can.”
Babcock, 51, has won one Stanley Cup in Detroit and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. He does not have a contract after the 2014-15 season.
Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported in October than the Toronto Maple Leafs reached out to Detroit regarding Babcock prior to giving their own coach, Randy Carlyle, a two-year extension.
