By @MichaelCaples –
TSN is reporting that the bench boss for the Detroit Red Wings can start talking to other teams about his future.
Per their lead hockey insider, Bob McKenzie, Mike Babcock has received permission from general manager Ken Holland to speak with other NHL clubs while he considers his options for his coaching future.
DET has granted Mike Babcock permission to talk to other NHL teams. Window open til late May. Doesn’t mean Babcock leaving DET, window open.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 8, 2015
Babcock’s contract technically kept him from communicating from other NHL teams until June 30, but according to the reports, he can truly begin his free-agent status immediately.
Babcock and Holland decided on this course of action while driving to Grand Rapids last weekend. DET obviously wants Babcock back… — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 8, 2015
…and Babcock has by no means ruled out DET but he does want to gauge interest from other teams before making decision by end of May.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 8, 2015
From the Detroit Red Wings’ Bill Roose:
#RedWings Holland: If teams want permission to speak to Mike Babcock there is a compensation letter for them to sign. “Some teams called.”
— The Wheel Deal (@Bill_Roose) May 8, 2015
Holland said if a team hires Babcock they will have to give the #RedWings, he believes, a third-round draft pick in the next three seasons.
— The Wheel Deal (@Bill_Roose) May 8, 2015