The most sought-after free agent in the NHL this offseason might not be a player.
Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, whose contract expires July 1, was granted permission by the Original Six club Friday to speak to other teams about potential jobs. If he signs with a team before the expiration of his contract, his new team would owe the Red Wings draft-pick compensation.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Bill_Roose/status/596709965659820032 align=”center”]
Babcock is regarded as the best coach in hockey. He’s been a head coach of three Stanley Cup finalists, including one championship-winning Red Wings team in 2008-09. Babcock also is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, guiding Team Canada to golds at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
He has a career record of 527-285-19-119 in 12 seasons as an NHL head coach. His teams have made the playoffs 11 times in 12 seasons, including all 10 of his campaigns with Detroit.
Thumbnail photo via Carlos Osorio/Associated Press
