Detroit Red Wings Clips May 11, 2015 Detroit Red Wings PAGE 2 Report: Penguins won't pursue Mike Babcock PAGE 3 Red Wings' Ericsson seeks more consistency in future PAGE 4 Reports: Mike Babcock meeting with Leafs, Sabres PAGE 5 Red Wings Tomas Tatar, Tomas Jurco and Slovakia lose again at World Championship PAGE 6 Mike Babcock links: Possible destinations for Red Wings coach don't include Pittsburgh PAGE 9 Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin, Team USA remain in first place at World Championship PAGE 10 All signs point to Babcock leaving Detroit PAGE 12 Babcock meets with Sabres, but good luck getting anything out of him PAGE 14 Babcock, Red Wings will eye Dylan Larkin at worlds PAGE 15 Red Wings Tomas Tatar, Tomas Jurco blanked in Slovakia's 3-0 World Championship loss PAGE 16 Red Wings sign Dominic Turgeon, their second pick in 2014 draft, to three-year entry level contract PAGE 17 Wings won't push Dylan Larkin to turn pro PAGE 19 Wings ink center prospect Turgeon PAGE 20 Babcock OK'd to explore, says 'we really like it here' PAGE 22 Gustavsson likely done with Wings, never 'got in a rhythm' PAGE 23 Potential landing spots for Mike Babcock PAGE 25 Mike Babcock: 'We'll see what is out there' PAGE 28 Niyo: Wings let Babcock play the field PAGE 31 Krupa: Babcock sees better chance to win Cup elsewhere PAGE 33 Red Wings' Mike Babcock: Not leaning one way or another, gathering information from other teams PAGE 35 Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin, Team USA nip Denmark 1-0 at World Championship PAGE 36 Red Wings still want Mike Babcock back but believe he's earned right to explore coaching market PAGE 39 Detroit Red Wings grant coach Mike Babcock permission to negotiate with other clubs PAGE 40 Red Wings hoping Tomas Jurco can start to get confidence back at World Championships PAGE 41 Mike Babcock can talk to other teams PAGE 43 Mike Babcock granted permission to speak to other teams PAGE 44 Red Wings give Babcock permission to talk with other teams PAGE 46 Red Wings give coach Babcock permission to test market
Report: Penguins won't pursue Mike Babcock By Brian Manzullo, Detroit Free Press 1:13 p.m. EDT May 10, 2015 Mike Babcock is going to explore his options. It seems one of them won't be the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported over the weekend that Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford is not interested in pursuing perhaps the top head coaching target of the off-season. "We are committed to our present coaching staff," Rutherford told Mackey on Saturday. That current coaching staff is led by Mike Johnston, coming off his first season as Penguins head coach after the team fired Grand Haven native Dan Bylsma last year. Johnston's team went 43-27-12, losing in the first round to the New York Rangers. Though he says he likes being in Detroit, Babcock is expected to generate interest from many NHL teams this off-season, coming off his 10th season with the Detroit Red Wings. He won a Stanley Cup in 2008 and led Team Canada to gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. The idea of Babcock going to Pittsburgh would've been interesting for many Red Wings fans, given Detroit's history with Pittsburgh. The two teams clashed in the 2008 and 2009 Stanley Cup finals, with Babcock's Red Wings winning in six games in '08 before Bylsma's Penguins won in seven games the following year. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.11.2015 2
Red Wings' Ericsson seeks more consistency in future By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press 7:52 p.m. EDT May 10, 2015 Big E wants to be a "big factor" for the Red Wings in the future. Jonathan Ericsson, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound defenseman coach Mike Babcock often refers to as Big E, played in every game for the Red Wings this season. He had three goals and 12 assists in 82 regular-season games. The 15 points matched his previous career-high for points in a season (2010-11). Ericsson, 31, also had four assists in seven playoff games. "Of course I want to be even more consistent, that's something I'm talking about pretty much every year," he said. "Want to be a big factor in the (penalty kill), take a lot of pride being in." Ericsson said the penalty kill had its struggles during the regular season, but "I think we did a good job in the playoffs, when it really matters." He said the loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning stings. "Absolutely," he said. "I think we were the better team over the course of the series. That makes it even tougher to not be able to play anymore. It stings a lot." Ericsson said he would remain in Detroit for at least the month of May before heading back to Sweden for the remainder of the off-season. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.11.2015 3
Reports: Mike Babcock meeting with Leafs, Sabres The Detroit News 4:58 p.m. EDT May 10, 2015 The Toronto Maple Leafs will have "serious talks" with the Red Wings' Mike Babcock about becoming their new head coach, Damien Cox of sportsnet.ca reported Sunday. Cox also wrote on Twitter that the Maple Leafs will talk to Todd McLellan about their coaching vacancy. However, Nick Kypreos, a former NHL player and current analyst for Sportsnet TV, said the meeting between Babcock and Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan took place over the weekend. The Red Wings on Friday gave Babcock permission to speak with other teams. He is under contract in Detroit until the end of June. WGR 550 Sports Radio in Buffalo also reported that Babcock met with Sabres team officials on Sunday. The Sabres missed the playoffs by one point and fired coach Ted Nolan in April. McLellan was an assistant under Babcock in Detroit from 2005-08. He had been head coach of the San Jose Sharks since then, but McLellan and the Sharks agreed to part ways in April after San Jose missed the playoffs. Shanahan played under Babcock in Detroit for one season in 2005-06. Detroit News LOADED: 05.11.2015 4
Red Wings Tomas Tatar, Tomas Jurco and Slovakia lose again at World Championship Brendan Savage on May 10, 2015 at 6:45 PM, updated May 10, 2015 at 6:48 PM The World Championship slide continued Sunday for Tomas Tatar, Tomas Jurco and the rest of the players from Slovakia. Tatar and Jurco, the Detroit Red Wings forwards who are playing for Slovakia in the World Championship, were held without a point in a 3-2 overtime loss to Russia in the Czech Republic. Russia won it when Artemi Panarin scored 2:06 into OT. It was Slovakia's third straight loss after opening the tournament with three victories. Slovaka remained in fifth place in Group B with eight points, two behind fourth-place Belarus and seven behind the first-place United States. Tatar had two shots on goal and a minus-1 rating in 15:06 of ice time. Jurco was held without a shot and had an even plus-minus rating while playing just 8:02. Marian Gaborik of the Los Angeles Kings and Tomas Kopecky of the Florida Panthers scored for Slovakia. Sergei Mozyakin and Vladamir Tarasenko of the St. Louis Blues scored the other goals for Russia. Slovakia will complete the preliminary round Tuesday against the United States. Michigan Live LOADED: 05.11.2015 5
Mike Babcock links: Possible destinations for Red Wings coach don't include Pittsburgh Brendan Savage on May 10, 2015 at 6:06 AM The possibilities aren't endless for Mike Babcock. But the list of suitors who will be pursuing the Detroit Red Wings coach is going to be healthy before he makes a decision in the next couple of weeks as to what the future holds for him. After 10 seasons with the Red Wings, who he led to the 2008 Stanley Cup, Babcock has been granted permission to speak with other teams as his contract prepares to expire June 30. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has maintained that he wants to keep Babcock in Detroit and Babcock said the belief that he's already made up his mind to move on is "so far from the truth it's not even funny." But many observers around the hockey world think Babcock is headed elsewhere after never missing the playoffs in Detroit. Babcock will no doubt be one of the most popular people at the World Championship as owners and GMs line up to pitch their teams to him after he arrives at the tournament in the Czech Republic sometime today. Here's what's being said in hockey circles as well as some of the cities that have been mentioned as possible destinations for Babcock should he leave Detroit. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Cross the Penguins off the list of teams that will pursue high-profile coach Mike Babcock," writes Jason Mackey. "General manager Jim Rutherford said Saturday the Penguins have not reached out to Babcock, nor do they plan to, despite Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland granting Babcock permission to speak with other teams. Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse told Trib Total Media on April 25 that the organization backed current coach Mike Johnston. Babcock, of course, could throw a major curveball if he publicly professed a desire to coach the Penguins. But the Penguins won't be chasing him. 'We are committed to our present coaching staff,' Rutherford told Trib Total Media on Saturday. 'We have our coaching staff in place," Rutherford said. "We will not be pursuing him.'" Sportsnet.ca: "Whatever he and Detroit GM Ken Holland are saying about Babcock possibly returning to the Red Wings, that's not happening," writes Mike Spector. "This couple has been sleeping in separate beds for months, and now Babcock has his own apartment. He's not going back, and the Wings are ready to move on as well. I still like Babcock with a team that's close, such as St. Louis or Pittsburgh, where Ken Hitchcock and Mike Johnston currently reside, despite the financial issue. Is Boston close enough? We're not sure, and I just can't see a Cam Neely, Mike Babcock partnership. 'I think he'll follow McDavid (to Edmonton),' a scout opined this week. "The minute I heard him asking about, 'How are we going to replace (Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg) 6
in Detroit?' I knew he'd want to find some new, young stars.' Edmonton will talk with Babcock, but it's not a slam-dunk from either direction." Buffalo News: "The Detroit Red Wings have granted coach Mike Babcock a threeweek window to talk with other teams about working on their bench," writes John Vogl. "If the sides come to an agreement, the hiring team would owe Detroit a third-round pick during the next three years. The Sabres' list of recent third-round picks includes NHL players Clarke MacArthur, Andrej Sekera, Brayden McNabb and Corey Tropp. It also features Michael Tessier, Kevin Sundher and Marc-Andre Gragnani, players who never panned out. It seems like a worthy gamble to get a coach who has made the playoffs 11 times in his 12 seasons. Babcock has won one Stanley Cup while appearing in the finals three times. He's also guided Canada to two straight Olympic gold medals. The Sabres said Friday they will make no comments about their coaching search until one is hired." Philly.com: "The Flyers are on the long list of potential suitors, including Toronto, Buffalo, Edmonton, New Jersey and San Jose," writes Frank Seravalli. "Other teams, like Boston, St. Louis and Pittsburgh, who still retain their current coaches, might also be interested in making a change solely in an attempt to nab Babcock. According to sources close to him, Babcock is interested in an offer from the Flyers. He is also Ron Hextall's No. 1 target. But that doesn't mean Babcock will ultimately be leaving Detroit. All money being equal, the Flyers certainly have more to build around than Buffalo or Toronto, two other potential landing spots. Up until now, the Flyers - and a slew of other teams - have held up their coaching search in an effort to see if they can lure Babcock away from Detroit. That courting process begins now. And the dominos will fall as they may after." The Sporting News: "Josh Harris is co-owner of the New Jersey Devils, a franchise in something of a muddle," writes Ray Slover. "But this much is clear: Winning solves everything. And with word that the Detroit Red Wings have allowed coach Mike Babcock to talk with other teams, there is talk of him landing with Devils. Asked if Babcock's expected salary demands would be a detriment, Harris said: 'Not if it was consistent with achieving our goals.' Harris wants to Devils to hire the 'right coach. Not the quickest person available.' He added, via The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., that he and co-owner David Blitzer would 'be in the mix and want to be very informed about what qualities are being measured and weighed in terms of making that decision. We may want to meet the coach. I'm not sure.'" The Hockey News: "After 10 years in the same place, even as successful as it's been for the Red Wings, perhaps Babcock simply needs a change of scenery," writes Ken Campbell. "And as good a coach as he is, it's not as though the Red Wings are going to fall apart without him. As long as Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are able to play at a high level and that is definitely a season-by-season proposition at this point the Red Wings will be competitive. And they have a pretty good nucleus of young players despite the fact they never get a high first-round draft pick. So let the sweepstakes begin. Babcock is in a great situation, where he can, if he chooses, set teams against each other in a bidding war for his services. With the Maple Leafs involved, it's not a stretch to suggest Babcock could become the first $5 million head coach in NHL history, which would raise the tide for all the other coaches out there. If he wants to coach 7
Connor McDavid, that opportunity is waiting for him on a silver platter. And if he decides that the money is greener, but the grass isn't on the other side, he can return to Detroit. Don't bet on that happening. Babcock is as good as gone. He knows it, Holland knows it and the hockey world knows it. And the Red Wings will get along just fine." Edmonton Journal: "Tthe Edmonton Oilers may see if there's the potential for a relationship," writes Jim Matheson. "It better be speed dating, because Babcock, the two-time gold-winning Canadian Olympic team coach and Stanley Cup winner, is the best-looking free-agent on the open market. The Oilers have a good coach in interim man Todd Nelson, of course. Nelson did a fine job when he replaced Dallas Eakins last December, with the players buying what he was selling. Chief executive Bob Nicholson... has a history with Babcock, of course. He was head of Hockey Canada when Babcock was coaching the Olympic teams. Nicholson, at the world championship in Prague, declined to comment on Babcock's current availability, understandably because the Oilers have a good coach Nelson under contract." TSN.ca: "If his main aim was to sign the most lucrative contract possible, I'd tell him to interview in Toronto in the morning and Buffalo in the afternoon and see which of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Terry Pegula would be willing to make him almost as rich as they are," writes Dave Hodge. "If he liked the challenge of re-making a dynasty and coaching hockey's next great superstar and working with people he knew well, I'd tell him to go to Edmonton. And if he wanted to find the quickest way to win another Stanley Cup, he'd be advised to wait and see what happens with Ken Hitchcock in St. Louis before doing anything else. How green are Babcock's pastures? He could dismiss all of those suggestions and still have four or five other teams from which to choose. Free agent frenzy, of a different sort." Michigan Live LOADED: 05.11.2015 8
Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin, Team USA remain in first place at World Championship Brendan Savage on May 10, 2015 at 7:10 PM, updated May 10, 2015 at 7:13 PM Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders scored a pair of first-period goals and the United States never trailed Sunday in a 3-1 World Championship victory over Slovenia in the Czech Republic. Detroit Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin had no shots and an even plus-minus rating in 12:23 of ice time. "Our line has been working well for quite a few games now," Nelson said in a story on the IIHF website. "I don't know what the secret is - it would be nice if we did - but I think we've played well from the get-go to create chances and capitalize on them. "When you get a few early goals you build that chemistry." Nelson opened the scoring 4:17 into the game and made it 2-0 with 3:28 left in the first period. Slovenia cut the deficit in half on a goal by Ales Music 6:26 into the second period before Team USA got an insurance marker from Jack Eichel of Boston University 69 seconds into the third. Nelson assisted on Eichel's goal, giving him six goals and three assists in six games. The victory gave the U.S. 15 points in Group B. That's good for first place, one point ahead of Russia with one game remaining in the preliminary round. Team USA (5-1) completes the preliminary round Tuesday against Slovakia and Red Wings forwards Tomas Tatar and Tomas Jurco. Slovenia fell to 0-6. Michigan Live LOADED: 05.11.2015 9
All signs point to Babcock leaving Detroit By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 05/10/15, 4:35 PM EDT DETROIT >> From the sounds of things, Mike Babcock will not be coming back to the Detroit Red Wings. Although nothing is official and nothing will become official until around the end of May, the writing of his departure has been on the wall since last offseason. The Wings offered Babcock a contract last June that he didn t accept. They came back with another offer in January, which is believed to be for four years and just over $3 million a season, but Babcock wanted to wait until the playoffs were over to discuss matters. Then came Friday when general manager Ken Holland gave his coach for the past 10 seasons permission to begin talking to other teams about taking over for them behind the bench. Babcock is trying to say all the right things. As soon as people heard that that first thing they think is He s long gone, Babcock said during a phone interview on Friday. That s so far from the truth it s not funny. I m going to gather information, Babcock continued. I m going to the World Championships and I m going to watch Dylan Larkin. I m just going about what I normally do. Along with going to the Czech Republic to watch one of the Wings top prospects play for the United States, Babcock will be meeting with suitors for his services next season. To be honest, my family wants to stay here, my wife and kids, Babcock said. The Wings have given me the opportunity to talk to other teams and I m going to take advantage of it. Life is about making good decisions, Babcock continued. Sometimes the most comfortable time is when you have no decision. I ve got a good GM, a great owner, they offered me an opportunity and I m going to take advantage of that. Babcock does a good job of laying down hints, many of which came this season, giving some insight as to how he views the Wings organization. I would tell you this, our team isn t as good as it was, Babcock said after Detroit was eliminated in seven games during the first round of the playoffs. You are what you are and (Tampa Bay has) a young team. They were bad here for long enough that they were able to rebuild it. Good, young players and they got young players in key positions. His main focus appears to be on the core group Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall which isn t getting any younger. 10
Datsyuk turns 37 in July, Zetterberg turns 35 in October and Kronwall turned 34 in January. Three of our best players are 34, 35, 37, so any way you look at it, we re a team that s changed a bunch of players, Babcock continued. We re a team that s added a lot of youth to the lineup. Right now on the outside they don t pick us as a Stanley Cup contender. The Wings have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in three of the last four seasons and haven t made it out of the second round of the playoffs since losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final in the 2008-09 season, the year after Babcock won his only Cup in Detroit. Babcock said after the loss in Game 7 that it was the worst day he s had coaching in Detroit in his 10 season here. Was that because I thought in my heart we were going to win that series and we should still be playing, was that because of what s coming? I don t know the answer to that, but I just know that there s a 24-hour rule in my house for sulking and I used all 24 hours, Babcock said. I see that we ve got a whole bunch of kids here that need to not hope that they re going to be a good player in the fall and get to work right now so they can be a good player. I think the majority of our growth needs to be from within because we need young legs, Babcock continued. We ve got lots of it. We ve got a lot of competition for jobs so that to me is more of a focus than free agency. The Wings began the process of incorporating young talent and needed to do so rapidly because of injuries two seasons ago to extend their playoff streak. They also have a number of highly talented players in the minors. Babcock, who has led Canada to two straight Olympic gold medals, continues to say his priorities haven t changed. It s still about winning and family. Those are the two most important things I m leaning on, Babcock said. I m walking through a sequence of events to make a decision. He added he s not leaning one way or another. I ll talk to teams that asked for permission and we ll see what happens from there, Babcock said. And in the end Babcock will more than likely decide he ll be coaching somewhere other than HockeyTown next season. Macomb Daily LOADED: 05.11.2015 11
Babcock meets with Sabres, but good luck getting anything out of him AP MAY 11, 2015 12:27a ET Mike Babcock's coaching interview tour took him to Buffalo on Sunday for a meeting with Sabres owner Terry Pegula. The Detroit Red Wings coach declined comment to The Associated Press, and referred questions to Pegula when the two got out of an SUV at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. Pegula said "Hello," before making a remark on how much rain had fallen. The two then walked away and boarded a private jet. Babcock flew to Buffalo earlier in the day and spent the afternoon meeting with Pegula and general manager Tim Murray at the Sabres' downtown arena. Babcock is still under contract with the Red Wings through June 30. The Red Wings are open to re-signing Babcock, but have granted him permission to interview with other teams. The Sabres have a vacancy after Ted Nolan was fired last month. Numerous teams are expected to court Babcock, who spent the past 10 seasons coaching in Detroit. The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils are also conducting coaching searches. The Edmonton Oilers haven't determined whether to keep Todd Nelson. And there could be potential vacancies in both St. Louis and Boston. The 52-year-old coached the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2008. His 458 regularseason wins in Detroit rank first among NHL coaches since the start of the 2005-06 season, according to STATS. In granting Babcock permission to speak to other teams, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said he hoped to have his coach make a decision by the end of the month. Holland, on Sunday, declined to reveal which teams have requested permission to meet with Babcock. Teams interested in interviewing Babcock have to agree to give up a third-round draft pick within the next three years as compensation to the Red Wings if they hire the coach. A person familiar with discussions told the AP that the Sabres anticipate it'll take Babcock more than a week to make a decision on his future. The person added, Babcock informed the Sabres that he still intends to travel to the World Hockey championships currently taking place in the Czech Republic. The tournament runs through May 17. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private. A person familiar with the Sabres coaching search previously told the AP that former San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan and minor-league coach Luke Richardson are also candidates for the Buffalo job. 12
The Sabres are in the midst of a top-to-bottom overhaul after finishing last in each of the past two seasons. In that time, Buffalo has begun stockpiling young prospects and draft picks in order to build through youth. Center Sam Reinhart, who was selected second in last year's draft, is expected to compete for a job in Buffalo next season. The Sabres have the No. 2 pick again in the draft next month, when they are expected to select highly regarded Boston University center Jack Eichel. Last season, Eichel became only the second freshman to win college hockey's top honor, the Hobey Baker Award. Babcock hasn't ruled out staying Detroit, where he and his family enjoy living. However, he did express concern over the Red Wings' aging roster after Detroit was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Tampa Bay. In Buffalo, Babcock has a previous connection with Murray. The two worked in Anaheim together when Babcock served as the Ducks coach form 2002-04. Babcock is expected to command a large salary, something that shouldn't scare off the small-market Sabres. Pegula has deep pockets. He and wife Kim also own the NFL Buffalo Bills, and made a big splash in January when they hired Rex Ryan to take over as coach. foxsports.com LOADED: 05.11.2015 13
Babcock, Red Wings will eye Dylan Larkin at worlds By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 12:59 p.m. EDT May 9, 2015 Regardless of his decision to hear what other teams will offer for his services, Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock wasn't about to cancel his travel plans. He will be in Prague next week to attend the IIHF world championships, joining general manager Ken Holland, who left Saturday. "I'm going to watch Dylan Larkin," Babcock told the Free Press. "I want to watch him play, talk to Kenny. I need to see Larkin play a few times." Babcock, 52, is in the last year of his contract and has been granted permission by the Wings to talk to other clubs. The competitiveness of a team is part of what Babcock will weigh as he decides on his coaching future. Larkin is the bluest of blue-chip prospects in the Wings' organization, an 18-year-old playing for Team USA at the World Championships after a standout freshman year at Michigan. The Wings drafted him 15th overall last summer; were he in the draft this year, he'd be gone by then. "Given the way he played as a freshman and at World Juniors and then USA Hockey invited him to play for at tournament for men speaks to the level of hockey he's playing," Holland said. "He's been a great pick by our staff. We're eager to see how he looks at a tournament of that caliber." Larkin, from Waterford, has one as assist after five games. He is the youngest player on the team, one of only two 18-year-olds. The other is Jack Eichel, expected to be the second overall pick in this year's NHL entry draft. The big question surrounding Larkin, who turns 19 at the end of July, is where he plays next season. "As of now," Holland said, "he's going back to Michigan for another year of hockey, but I think he wanted to see how he stacks up at a men's tournament." The Wings have a number of university-trained players, but they were older when they made the jump from college to AHL hockey. Justin Abdelkader, Gustav Nyquist and Jimmy Howard turned pro after their junior years. Danny DeKeyser, who went undrafted, joined the Wings after his senior year at Western Michigan. "A lot depends on the player and where the player is at in terms of how good he is," Holland said. "Dylan Larkin had a very good rookie season, a very good world juniors, but when you leave college, pro sports is competition. If you're good enough to be an NHL player, you have to be one of the best." Notebook: The Wings announced they'd signed Dominic Turgeon, a third-round pick from last summer, to a three-year entry-level contract. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.10.2015 14
Red Wings Tomas Tatar, Tomas Jurco blanked in Slovakia's 3-0 World Championship loss Brendan Savage bsavage@mlive.com By Brendan Savage bsavage@mlive.com on May 09, 2015 at 4:33 PM, updated May 09, 2015 at 4:35 PM Detroit Red Wings Tomas Tatar and Tomas Jurco each had one shot on goal Saturday as Slovakia lost 3-0 to Finland in a World Championship game in the Czech Republic. Tatar had an even plus-minus rating in 16:51 of ice time while Jurco was minus-1 in 13:39. With its second straight loss, Slovakia fell into fifth place in Group B with seven points, three behind Belarus and five back of the three teams atop the standings the United States, Russia and Finland. Finland improved to 4-1. Juhamatti Aaltonen, Leo Komarov and Joonas Donskoi scored for Finland, which got 22 saves from goaltender Juuse Saros. Slovakia's next game is Sunday vs. Russia. Michigan Live LOADED: 05.10.2015 15
Red Wings sign Dominic Turgeon, their second pick in 2014 draft, to three-year entry level contract Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com By Ansar Khan akhan1@mlive.com on May 09, 2015 at 12:09 PM, updated May 09, 2015 at 12:57 PM DETROIT The Detroit Red Wings have signed center Dominic Turgeon, their second selection in the 2014 entry draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. Turgeon, 19, had career highs on goals (18) and points (43) in 67 games for the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks this season. He added eight goals and one assist in 17 playoff games. The Red Wings selected Turgeon (6-2, 190) in the third round, with the 63rd overall pick. They traded up with the Columbus Blue Jackets to get him, parting with their thirdround pick in 2015. Turgeon has 31 goals and 51 assists in 187 career regular season games with Portland. He will return to Portland for the 2015-16 season. Here's what Red Wings director of amateur scouting Tyler Wright said of Turgeon on draft day: "We wanted him and he's got good bloodlines (his father, Pierre, played in the NHL). He's got great hockey sense. He played on a team where he kind of got moved back because of a lot of older and high-skilled guys who are moving on now. He's going to inherit a little bit of a bigger role next year and we hope his scoring ability will show. But we're really excited about getting him where we did." Michigan Live LOADED: 05.10.2015 16
Wings won't push Dylan Larkin to turn pro By Chuck Pleiness, The Macomb Daily Posted: 05/09/15, 1:46 PM EDT DETROIT >> While the Detroit Red Wings await a decision on whether or not coach Mike Babcock will return, they re also waiting to hear on one from their one of their top prospects Dylan Larkin. Larkin will make it known sometime after the World Championships in the Czech Republic if he ll return to the University of Michigan for his second season or turn pro. And the Wings aren t going to try and sway him either way. I ve told Dylan we have no role in his decision, general manager Ken Holland said prior to leaving to take in a few games at the tournament. It s different when your junior eligibility is over. Players in Europe and college want to know when they re turning pro, like where they stand in the organization. It s competition, Holland continued. If you don t win that competition you go to Grand Rapids. I don t believe in guaranteeing roster spots. My philosophy in player development is you ve got to compete for a roster spot. In five games for the United States, Larkin has one assist with eight shots on goal and a minus-one rating. I think whatever decision he makes is a great decision, Holland said. Going back to Michigan for another year, playing with your age group is a positive. If he turns pro, there s no doubt he can play at the AHL level. The question is can he play at the NHL level. You don t know that until he gets to training camp in Traverse City. He s still pretty young. The Detroit Red Wings will support his decision. The Waterford native was the unanimous winner of the Big Ten s freshman of the year award, leading the conference s first-year players in goals (15), assists (32) and points (47) in 35 games with the Wolverines. He was second at Michigan in goals scored Zach Hyman and tied with him in assists. He did lead the team with 15 power play points (six goals) and with 151 shots on goal. He s a good skater and can transport the puck, Holland said. He s very competitive. He plays a 200-foot game. He back checks hard and he s conscientious defensively. He needs to get physically stronger, like most young players, Holland continued. With strength you get heavier. He needs to put on weight and strength. Larkin, who s a two-way center, is the Wings highest draft pick, selected 15th overall last year, since 1991. He can play the power play, penalty kill, four-on-four, Holland said. He can play in every different situation. 17
It s kind of uncommon for the collegiate players the Wings draft to leave the school after one season. Justin Abdelkader, Gustav Nyquist, Riley Sheahan and Jimmy Howard all stayed three years. Danny DeKeyser did as well, while Luke Glendening played four seasons at Michigan. DeKeyser and Glendening both went undrafted. Some are ready sooner than others, Holland said. We re not swaying him one way or the other. I like players to be mature and have a lot of experiences before they hit the NHL because the NHL is a tough league. Larkin had a very good World Junior Championships, leading the United States with five goals, seven points and a plus-seven rating. He s a very good prospect, Holland said. I like his determination, his passion. He has the intangibles. He competes and doesn t mind going to the hard areas. He s got intangibles as part of his skills. When you re building a team, you like to be strong down the middle, Holland added. We re very pleased with the year he s had. Macomb Daily LOADED: 05.10.2015 18
Wings ink center prospect Turgeon KEITH GAVE FOX Sports Detroit The Red Wings have signed center Dominic Turgeon, their third-round (63rd overall) selection in last year's NHL draft, to an entry-level contract, the club announced today. Turgeon, 19, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound native of Cherry Hills, Colorado, set career highs with 18 goals and 43 points in 67 games this season with the Western Hockey League's Portland Winterhawks. He also had eight goals among nine points in 17 post-season games, helping the Winterhawks reach the WHL's conference finals for the fifth straight season. He represented his country in the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, helping the United States capture a bronze medal with three assists in six games. foxsports.com LOADED: 05.10.2015 19
Babcock OK'd to explore, says 'we really like it here' By Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press 3 p.m. EDT May 8, 2015 Mike Babcock wants to find out just how coveted he is elsewhere. Still, his family might keep him here. Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland announced today that he has, at Babcock's request, given permission to other NHL teams to talk to Babcock about head coaching jobs. But Babcock revealed to the Free Press that it doesn't necessarily equate to the end of his 10-year tenure with the Wings. "People can read it into it what they want," Babcock said. "There is no decision made at all. We really like it here. My family loves Detroit. It's way easier for my family to stay here, 100% easier. My kids are all going away, but they still want to come back to Detroit on Thanksgiving. They want to come back to Detroit in the summer to work out. So it's way easier for them." Babcock said he requested the right to talk to other teams because "I just felt, after 10 years, the opportunity was out there. I'm going to ride this process out. I'm thrilled they want me back." Holland said he granted permission after talking to team owners Mike and Marian Ilitch, who backed Holland's philosophy. "I want Mike here if he wants to be here," Holland said. "That's always been my attitude with players and with personnel. If there is a better opportunity for you elsewhere, then you should probably pursue it." Holland wants to have the situation resolved within two to three weeks. If Babcock leaves, Holland said the Grand Rapids Griffins' Jeff Blashill would be a "legitimate candidate" to take over in Detroit. Several NHL teams have head coaching vacancies, including Buffalo, Toronto, San Jose, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Edmonton technically still has Todd Nelson at the helm, but the Oilers still are certain to make a run at Babcock, who hails from Western Canada. Other teams also might take a look at what they have and decide they're better off if they can lure Babcock. Teams would have to sign a letter in order to gain permission to talk to Babcock. If a team hires him, the Wings would be compensated with a third-round draft pick within the next three seasons, at the choice of the signing team. Holland reiterated numerous times that the Wings would like Babcock back -- but only if he wants the same thing. "If there is a better situation out there for Mike Babcock, he's earned the right to explore that," Holland said. "We made a contract offer to Mike last June and couldn't find a solution. I went to him again in January and made another contract extension offer, and 20
Mike felt, at that point in time, that he appreciated the offer but wanted to wait until the end of the year. That was the only conversation that we really had this winter. "When we went to Grand Rapids, spent four hours together in the car, we had a great talk. I told Mike that we'd like to re-sign him, we want him back. He would like the opportunity to explore any possibilities that are out there for him. Certainly, we are a possibility." Babcock, 52, is widely considered one of the best, if not the best, coaches in the NHL. He is believed to be seeking at least $4 million per year, double his current salary. He wants to be the league's highest-paid coach (currently believed to be Chicago's Joel Quenneville, with a base salary of $2.75 million). The Wings have offered four years at $3.25 million annually. Holland said last week that money would not be an issue, but if money is Babcock's primary concern, it's a safe bet that Toronto, a billion-dollar franchise, will be able to outbid anyone. Holland and Babcock both are still planning to spend next week at the world championships in Prague. Before leaving on Sunday, Babcock may well be on his phone quite a bit. Holland said that teams already had called to ask permission, which Holland denied, before an illuminating conversation last week while carpooling to Grand Rapids. "As we sat in the car for four hours, he told me that, 'If I come back, I'd like to know this is the place I want to be,'" Holland said. "My feeling is he's earned that right. "I want Mike to be here because he thinks this is best situation for him and his family and his career and family. I believe he is happy. He has lots of good feelings about being here. He's done fabulous job putting young kids into lineup, but I want him to be here. He needs to find that out and talk to teams that do have interest in him. I understand there's risk involved, but that was the case anyway. Given his status in the industry, is there potential that he chooses to go elsewhere? Absolutely." Babcock could simply have let his contract run out June 30 and then talked to other teams. Neither side really wanted that scenario. At least in this case, the Wings get a draft pick if he leaves. "If he finds better situation," Holland said, "I'll shake his hand and thank him for 10 fabulous years." Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.09.2015 21
Gustavsson likely done with Wings, never 'got in a rhythm' By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press 2:22 p.m. EDT May 8, 2015 Jonas Gustavsson figures he can play another 10 years in the NHL. But his time with the Detroit Red Wings has probably come to an end. Wings general manager Ken Holland has already said he expects Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard to compete for playing time next season. Howard put up All-Star numbers in the first half of the season before struggling in the second half. With Howard struggling and Gustavsson injured, that opened the door for Mrazek, who went on to win the starting job and start in the playoffs. Mrazek had two shutouts, a 2.11 goals-against average and a.925 save percentage in seven games against the Lightning. Gustavsson, who has battled groin and hip injuries in the past, was limited to seven games this season due to a shoulder injury and a concussion. He had a 3-3-1 record with a.911 save percentage and a 2.56 GAA. Mike Babcock will explore other opportunities "My shoulder injury kept me out of long time," Gustavsson said. "I didn't know if I was going to come back or if I needed surgery. I did pretty much everything I could rehabwise to try and come back. I managed to get back and play a few games, then I got the concussion. Obviously, I never got in a rhythm. Then at the end of the season, we had two other goalies. Mrazek came up and played great. It wasn't much room for me, and I understood that. "Tried to work on my game in the shadows, tried to keep pushing myself. Tried to be a good teammate. Hopefully that's going to help me in the future." Gustavsson said he enjoyed playing for the Wings over the past three seasons. "In one way I'm happy with my health this year, although it sound funny," he said. "My groin has felt good from the start. I haven't felt anything whatsoever. Actually healthwise, I think I'm in better shape than ever. Obviously the shoulder injury and then the concussion kind of prevented me from showing that." Gustavsson said he has no idea where he might end up next season. "Hopefully I can stay in this league," Gustavsson. "I feel I have lots left in the tank. I'm only 30 years old. So, hopefully have another 10 years of good hockey in me." Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.09.2015 22
Potential landing spots for Mike Babcock Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 3:24 p.m. EDT May 8, 2015 So, what are Mike Babcock's choices? Here's a list of teams who could be interested in the Red Wings' coach (until June 30, in terms of his contract). In the mix Detroit Believe him when Babcock says his family likes it here and he does, too. And there is a good pool of young talent on the NHL roster, and coming up, too. Buffalo Babcock and Sabres GM Tim Murray go back a long way and Buffalo will select Jack Eichel with the second overall pick. Sabres owner Terry Pegula has deep pockets and paid big money to get Rex Ryan for his NFL Bills. Toronto The Maple Leafs are a mess and feel Babcock can fix it. They, too, can offer an incredible amount of money, and the front office is headed by Brendan Shanahan (who played for Babcock). But the Maple Leafs don't have many promising young players. San Jose Former Babcock assistant Todd McLellan was recently fired. The Sharks appear to be in rebuild mode and probably won't interest Babcock. Edmonton A very intriguing situation. The Oilers have an interim coach (Todd Nelson) but own the No. 1 pick in the draft and will select Connor McDavid, a Sidney Crosby-like talent. Add McDavid to a deep pool of young talent, an owner (Daryl Katz) with money, a new arena on the way, and returning to his native western Canada, and it could be a good fit. Philadelphia The Flyers usually find a way to get their man be it coach or player. The roster is good enough to contend, and the Flyers will always spend top money. Don't ever count out the Flyers in these types of situations. Could be in the mix New York Islanders The coaching staff is intact, and they made the playoffs, but with the Islanders moving into the Brooklyn arena they might like to make a splash. Pittsburgh The Penguins have stated there will be no changes to the front office and coaching staff, but you'd have to think they'd be interested in talking to Babcock and seeing if he'd like to coach Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Boston Coach Claude Julien hasn't been fired but the Bruins, too, will likely at least put in a phone call. Babcock likes the city, but the Bruins roster is stuck because of salary cap problems. New Jersey The Devils just named Ray Shero as the new GM leading to speculation Dan Bylsma (Grand Haven) will be the new coach (the two were together in Pittsburgh). This roster doesn't hold a lot of future promise. 23
St. Louis Ken Hitchcock is still the coach, but the Blues could be looking elsewhere soon. There's talent here, but would ownership be willing to spend aggressively for Babcock? Long shot Montreal If the Canadiens get eliminated in the playoffs soon, you know there will be a push in Montreal to get Babcock behind the Canadiens' bench. Babcock went to school there, has deep ties to the community, and would be enormously popular. Los Angeles There's been mild speculation coach Darryl Sutter could retire. If that's the case, this is a two-time Stanley Cup-winning roster that has money, outstanding players, and Babcock enjoyed coaching Anaheim, just down the road, earlier in his career. Detroit News LOADED: 05.09.2015 24
Mike Babcock: 'We'll see what is out there' Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News 6:54 p.m. EDT May 8, 2015 Detroit The most prominent unrestricted free agent in the NHL marketplace can start listening to offers. So does that mean the Red Wings and coach Mike Babcock are parting ways? The Red Wings gave Babcock the opportunity Friday to begin talking with other teams until May 25, or the end of the month at the latest. That will enable Babcock to gauge the level of interest around the league and determine whether the coach wants to remain with the Red Wings, general manager Ken Holland said. Babcock's contract with the Red Wings expires June 30 and he is becomes a free agent on July 1, free to sign with any team if he so desires. "We're going to give Mike permission to explore other opportunities," said Holland, adding the Red Wings are still in the mix and want to retain Babcock, who has coached the team for the last 10 seasons winning the Stanley Cup in 2008. The Red Wing are the only team to qualify for the playoffs all of those 10 seasons during that span. "Certainly we are a possibility. We want Mike as our coach," Holland said. "If there's a better situation for Mike out there, given he's given us 10 great years behind the bench, I feel he's earned that right." Don't read anything into the desire to talk with other teams, said Babcock, adding he simply wants to see what opportunities are available. "For sure (the Red Wings are in the mix)," Babcock said Friday afternoon. " My family loves it here, my kids have grown up here. We've had 10 great years here. We have a lot of kids coming up (in the farm system). "But you owe it to yourself to see what's out there." There are numerous teams rumored to be after Babcock Edmonton, Buffalo, Philadelphia and Toronto are those without a coach right now. Holland said several teams contacted him days after the Red Wings were eliminated in the playoffs, asking to speak with Babcock. But Babcock isn't what sure what level of interest around the NHL is for his services. "Nobody does, until you get that phone call," Babcock said. "People think they know what's going to happen, but they don't. Nobody knows. "Kenny Holland and ownership have given me this opportunity, and we'll see what is out there. We have to get this done by May 25." 25
The Red Wings have drafted a compensation letter dated May 25 that states the organization will receive a third-round draft pick within three years from any team that would sign Babcock all teams must sign the letter before speaking to Babcock. Holland wants the matter to be resolved and either Babcock or another head coach in place by the NHL Entry Draft June 26-27. If Babcock were to leave, it's believed Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill is a leading candidate to replace Babcock. Blashill, 41, is coaching the minor league affiliate Griffins, and has been an assistant under Babcock. If Babcock returns, Blashill will be on the Flyers' radar, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer report. "Certainly Jeff Blashill is a legitimate candidate," Babcock said. "I'm not going to grant (any team) permission to talk to Jeff. They're in the playoffs, so they're going to play another (10-14 days). "I'm hoping Mike returns, but if Mike doesn't return, certainly Jeff will be one of the people I'm going to want to interview." Babcock was making approximately $2 million a season on this latest contract but could double that total in this upcoming contract. Chicago's Joel Quenneville reportedly makes $2.75 million a season, but Babcock will likely far surpass that number. Holland said he made a contract offer last June and another another in January the offers were slightly more than $3 million, believed to be for four years but nothing was agreed upon. "Mike felt at that point he appreciated the offer but wanted to wait until the end of the year," Holland said. Both Holland and Babcock will be heading to the World Ice Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic Holland leaves Saturday and Babcock is scheduled to depart Sunday. Babcock said he's interested to see Red Wings prospect and Waterford native Dylan Larkin (Michigan) play for Team USA. Babcock and Holland traveled to Grand Rapids Sunday to watch the Griffins play, and had a productive four-hour talk. "As we sat in the car he told me 'if I come back, I'd like to know this is the place I want to be,'" Holland said. "My feeling is he's earned that right. I want Mike to be here because he thinks this is the best situation for him and for his family and his career." "I want Mike here if Mike wants to be here. That's always been my attitude (toward players who are free agents)." Holland added Babcock wanted to explore any possibilities that are out there to make sure it's the best fit. 26
"Certainly I understand the risk when you grant somebody permission (to talk with another team)," Holland said. "We can wake up in the next two or three weeks and find out Mike has decided to leave. In my opinion, that was going to happen anyway. There's no use just using this exclusive window until the end of June to kind of box him out that he can't leave. "I don't believe that's the way you treat people that have come in and given us the type of service Mike has given us. "If Mike goes elsewhere, I'll shake his hand and thank him for 10 great years," Holland said. Detroit News LOADED: 05.09.2015 27