Mike Babcock will make a decision on his future before the May 25 soft deadline that Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland set forth when he granted the coach permission to speak to other teams.
Holland, who along with Babcock, is at the World Championships in the Czech Republic, said Friday that Babcock has not informed him of a decision.
“Mike said he expected a decision way before May 25,” Holland said.
“Nothing has changed from my part. I’m waiting for Mike to talk to some teams and make a decision. He met with a couple of teams prior to coming to Prague. I had teams sign the compensation letter. I’m in a holding pattern.”
In an interview with TSN today, Babcock said, “I bet you by the 20th I’m going to know what I’m doing. This has been an interesting process. I brought this on myself.”
Babcock spoke with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres before leaving for the World Championships. Holland would not reveal how many teams asked for permission to speak with him. Any club wanting to talk to Babcock is required to sign a letter of compensation agreeing to give the Red Wings one third-round pick at any point during the next three years if it hires him.
“I’m happy to hear Mike will make a decision by May 25,” Holland said. “From our perspective, the sooner the better. If he stays we can get on with other things. If he leaves we can start the process to finding a replacement.”