OT: Babcock decision date moved up to 5/20
In a TSN interview mentioned by CBS Sports here (but that I can't seem to find) Babcock says he should have a decision by May 20. Babcock has reportedly met with Toronto and Buffalo so far, and is still with Holland in Prague watching the World Championships.
The decision date is going to be moved up, It'll be to you by [May] 20th, I'm going to know what I'm doing.
I wouldn't be too upset if he went elsewhere. The Wings have been very mediocre and underachieving for the last couple years.
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Also in before WD says he's going to Michigan.
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McLellan is close to taking the Oilers job. I think it's a good fit for Edmonton, but I would rather have Babcock or Blashill in Detroit.
Todd McLellan- former Babcock assistant most recently coach San Jose.
Dan Bylsma- Michigan native, Stanley Cup winning coach in Pittsburgh before falling out of favor.
Claude Juilen- style doesn't seem to fit, but would like to see some of his grit brought to Detroit roster.
...that the vast majority of fans want Babcock back. He can only do so much with the players he got and the fans get that.
Yeah I don't get the "well, maybe if we shake things up" approach. Babcock is a better coach than anyone in the league...not always by miles, but he is the best. Downgrading from that isn't smart.
It would be best to keep Babcock...but there are some positives if he leaves...new voice and blood, etc...not all negative so I can understand the other point of view
That's fair, and Blashill's a great backup if he does leave... but like you said it is best to keep him, unless he really can't stand working with Kenny. Frankly I'd hope Kenny is more flexible to work with him and realizes how great a coach he is.
It's best if Babcock stays, but this is still a young, talented team with Mrazek still a couple years from his prime. Not to mention that we haven't seen the best of Pulkinnen in the NHL and Mantha will be here in a couple years. If Babcock leaves, they would have to make sure they don't make another Dave Lewis hire. I think Blashill would be a nice choice if they can't get Todd MacLellan.
Problem is your 2 world class talents are now in mid 30s. So that window is closing.
Guys like Tatar and Nyquist for now are good secondary scorers (yes Tatar scored a lot) but not guys who carry your team. There is going to be a huge hole at the top 2 centers when those 2 retire/go back to russia in the next 3 years or whatnot and you need to replace that production just to stand flat. So unless Mantha and Larkin are 2 of the top 35 players in the world in the coming half decade you have issues just not go backwards Which is why I believe Babcock is looking around. Hell he said as much. He has a nice blend of youth and older stars but in 3-4 year faces a team that is just the youth plus some nice mid tier NHL talent like Abs and Helm. Considering it has been 4 first round exits in 5 yrs even with the 2 superstars the window is now IMO.
The future teams post Z/Dats will need some world class talent on them as well. Where it is going to come from is the question. Maybe Tatar takes the next big step and becomes one of the top 20 players in the NHL. Or maybe he just becomes a nice sniper. You need those elite guys on your team - hard to really win without a Toews, Doughty, Getzlaf, Lindstrom, Keith, Weber, Subban, Perry, Hossa, etc.
Defense is a whole 'nother issue as you face Kronwall slowing down in the coming yrs and while there is youth coming there too how many are true 1st pair talent. We dont know.
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If we hadn't been down 2 key defensemen (although one was a liability in the playoffs) in Game 7, we might be in the Conf Finals right now. I know... what if... but I believe he's developing the team. And I think he's a better in-game tactician than anyone who could replace him. Plus, I just like his intensity and level of accountability. It's hard to get knocked out as soon as we have been lately but I don't blame Babber.
They also were without a top flight forward. You could argue the merits of Franzen but regardless of that his contract is equal to many very good players and in the salary cap era that was a hit too. Also they were out another high priced player in Weiss simply because he just doesn't seem to fit anywhere. The Wings have about $9 million tied up in those two players that combined played just two games in the playoffs (both Weiss of course) so if you could substitute them for at least one really good player it couldhave been a different story.
It's all hypotheticals but I've thought about it since game 5.
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He may well but they are at least 5 years away from seriously contending. The Wings are closer.
in touch. Babcock is going to Toronto. Yea you heard it here.