Mike Babcock denies report of Red Wings extension
Head coach Mike Babcock is denying a report that he's on the verge of a contract extension with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Windsor Star reported Wednesday night that an extension making Babcock the NHL’s highest-paid coach will be announced “sooner rather than later.”
But Babcock did his best to shoot down the report when he spoke to reporters after Thursday's practice.
"Guys, this is like a fantasy world," he said. "I'm happy here. I like the general manager, they treat me good. I don't know what else I can tell you."
Babcock, 51, is in the final year of his deal with the Red Wings. He said he and general manager Ken Holland decided not to discuss contract negotiations during the season to prevent a distraction.
"As far as negotiation between Mike Babcock and Ken Holland, there is none," he said. "Do we ride on the plane together? Yeah. Was I out with his wife and his daughter the other night? Yeah. I think I had a glass of red wine and he had Coors Light. There's nothing more to tell.
"I'm not hiding anything, I'm not making anything up, this is just reality. So let's not do this again tomorrow."
Babcock in his 10th season as Detroit’s head coach and has never missed the playoffs with the team. He guided the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2008 and was the head coach of the Canadian teams that won Olympic gold in 2010 and this year.
The Wings currently top the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-6-6.
"If you think I'm working harder this year because I'm in the last year of my contract, it makes no difference," he said. "I grind, that's what I do. I'm a professional grinder, I love winning."
