Red Wings’ Holland talks Babcock departure

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland spoke with the media about the departure of head coach Mike Babcock, who signed a lucrative contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Scott Lewis May 20, 2015, 5:10 PM

Detroit Red Wings general manager and executive vice president Ken Holland addressed the media on Wednesday to talk about Mike Babcock’s departure for Toronto after 10 seasons.

Holland praised Babcock for his work with the Red Wings, but said he could not justify going beyond five years with a contract. Babcock’s deal with the Maple Leafs is for eight years.

Ken Holland: "I've got mixed emotions. He's one of the greatest coaches in the league if not the greatest."

— Hockey Central (@SNHockeyCentral) May 20, 2015

Much of the discussion centred around finding Babcock’s replacement. Jeff Blashill, who is head coach of the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate Grand Rapid Griffins, is believed to be the leading candidate.

Holland isn’t ready to name Babcock’s successor yet, but it appears Blashill has the inside edge.

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Holland told reporters that he was informed Babcock would not be returning to Detroit at 11:15 Wednesday morning.

As for that $50 million, eight-year contract…