Babcock On His Future: 'Ken [Holland] And I Can Work All That Stuff Out Later'
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - The upcoming playoffs could be the last for Mike Babcock as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
Babcock has been with the Red Wings for 10 seasons and is in the final year of his contract. Even as the end of the season draws near and reports surface of other teams interested in bringing Babcock on board, the coach insists that where he will be for the 2015-2016 season is not on his priority list.
"We're playing Tampa," Babcock said Tuesday after practice, referring to the team's first-round series against the Lightning. "That's what I'm dealing with 100 percent. Not spending any time thinking about that. [Red Wings general manager] Ken [Holland] and I can work all that stuff out later. I'm not concerned about that one bit.
"I like winning," Babcock continued. "I really like winning. So we're going to do everything we can to prepare and to focus on the task at hand. I like Tampa. It's a nice place. The weather's nice. Let's go."
As would be expected, whether Babcock will stay or go after the season has not been something players have considered much, either.
"To be honest, I haven't thought about that at all," forward Darren Helm said. "He's probably saying the same thing. It's about now, what we're going to do with our team, with the opportunity we have right now. It is a good opportunity that we have. We're a good team. We've just got to find a way to play it.
"Whatever happens with Mike Babcock next year will happen," Helm added.
In December, Babcock shot down rumors of a contract extension. When he does sign with the Red Wings or another team, he will almost certainly become the most highly paid coach in the NHL.
