Babcock free to talk to other teams…

The Mike Babcock bidding war is officially open.

As expected the Red Wings have granted Mike Babcock permission to talk to other teams.

Ken Holland said today that the Red Wings have made two different offers to Babcock over the past week, but Babcock wants to explore his options. It was interesting to note that Babcock said last week he has no interest in being in a GM role. “I want to coach, I don’t have the skill set to do Ken’s job.” He would have some say in players, but I don’t think as much as some think. He has worked with Peter Chiarelli and Bob Nicholson before so that does bode well for the Oilers.

Holland told Red Wings beat reporter Helene St. James, “If there is better situation out there for Mike Babcock, he’s earned the right to explore that.”

Coaches have watched NHL players go through the free agent process for years, so it makes sense that Babcock wants to test it for himself. Babcock has said it isn’t strictly about money, but if another team is willing to offer him $1 million more per season, that might be hard to pass up.

Babcock is heading to the World Championships and you can bet that Chiarelli, Brendan Shanahan, Ron Hextall, Tim Murray and a host of other GMs and Presidents will be making a trip to Prague to talk with him.

The Red Wings have said Babcock is free to talk to other teams up to May 25th. If another team signs him, they owe the Wings a 3rd round pick in either 2015, 2016 or 2017.

Chiarelli is meeting with Todd Nelson this weekend, and I’m sure it is more about whether Nelson would be interested in being an assistant/associate coach if the new coach wanted him on the staff. I like Nelson, and I believe he is a very good coach, but I see Chiarelli hiring an experienced head coach.

The Oilers have a lot to offer Babcock, specifically Connor McDavid, but right now their offer is more about potential than proven commodities. The Oilers will put forth a good offer to Babcock, but will it be enough to lure him away from the familiarity of winning in Detroit?

Let the courting begin.

If I was another head coach, I wouldn’t sign a deal until I see what Babcock signs for. His new contract will re-shape how coaches are paid.

Our 3nd annual King/Queen of Karaoke goes on Friday May 22nd at On The Rocks.

If you think you can sing, or know someone who can get them to email a short 30 second-1 minute video audition tape to gregor@tsn1260.ca before May 15th. We will pick the top-10 videos, and they along with a few guest celebrity Karaokiers will battle it out on May 22nd.

This year’s winner will win $1,000 in cash. 

Tickets are $35, with all the money going to charity, and with
your ticket you receive $45 in GCs from On The Rocks and Oodle Noodle,
as well as one drink when you arrive.

You can buy tickets here.

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