Youth and money will be key talking points as Mike Babcock decides this week whether to remain as coach of the Detroit Red Wings or leave for, not necessarily, greener pastures.
Two key questions will be: Does a team wooing Babcock have enough talent to win in the near future? And, can it meet his salary demands?
Here are some points to ponder on both fronts.
1. Money is not No. 1.
As Babcock has already indicated, the size of his salary will not be the driving force in his decision. Also, the Red Wings can afford to match any offer that he receives elsewhere. Ultimately, Babcock will stay or go based on a team's chance for a championship in the relatively near future and the situation which he feels is the best fit for himself and his family.
2. Detroit has a relatively young roster.
This point will draw criticism from analytics lovers, but the fact is that Detroit's average age is skewed upward by the likes of Henrik Zetterberg, 33, Pavel Datsyuk, 36, Niklas Kronwall, 34, Daniel Cleary, 35, Marek Zidlicky, 37, and Erik Cole, 35. It's wrong to say that the Red Wings are relying too heavily on older players, because only three players over 30 -- Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Kronwall -- played more than 60 games with the Wings this season. Cleary, a model workhorse, played only 17, while Zidlicky and Cole were acquired at the trade deadline, largely for experience and offence, and have uncertain futures. Zatterberg and Datsyuk led the Red Wings offensively with 66 and 65 points, respectively, but Tomas Tatar, 23, had the most goals (29) while Gustav Nyquist, 25, placed second in goal-scoring (27). Also, Tatar and Nyquist placed third and fourth, respectively, in total points.
And, in case anyone forgets, the Wings took the Tampa Bay Lightning -- one of the NHL's youngest and most talented teams -- to overtime in the seventh game of their first-round series before bowing out.
In other words, Detroit's supposedly aging roster should not be used as an excuse if or when Babcock decides to leave Detroit. When it comes to rebuilding, there's momentum in Motown.
3. Babcock can work with young players anywhere.
It's a misconception to think that Babcock will prefer to work with veteran players and limit young players' development and ice time. Nobody has said that he will, but coaches are often accused of preferring veterans over youngsters, and he will probably receive similar treatment from critics as more teams come into the hiring mix.
Babcock has a teaching background, and he has won a Canadian university title with a Lethbridge Pronghorns team that has done little since; a Memorial Cup with junior-aged Spokane Chiefs and a Stanley Cup by developing such future Red Wings stars as Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Kronwall and Jimmy Howard, among others, in their younger days.
The NHL is trending younger, Babcock knows that, and he can adapt.
Accordingly, Edmonton, where junior phenom Connor McDavid will play next season and Buffalo, where future American superstar Jack Eichel is destined to toil, would both be a good fit because they have several emerging young stars. But the Oilers are not considered to be in the running anymore for Babcock, while Buffalo is reportedly in hot pursuit. Toronto does not yet have enough obvious young talent for it to be a strong selling point, but the Leafs will likely make a big push at crunch time due to president Brendan Shanahan's close ties to him.
4. Toronto is a bad fit.
There are too many negatives in Toronto, including a daily media gong show, the absence of a general manager since Dave Nonis was fired, a dysfunctional veteran core and the aforementioned lack of young talent. It could be several years before the Leafs are ready to contend. But, as a rule, coaches love a challenge, and the Maple Leafs pose, arguably, the biggest one in the NHL.
Many coaches would opt not to coach in Toronto because of its hockey heritage and the constant public pressure to win that everyone faces on a daily basis. But Babcock is enough of a contrarian to accept an apparent no-win situation.
So don't be surprised if, after months of speculation, he winds up guiding the Leafs after all.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tim Parker looks at home with Whitecaps
Tim Parker did not look out of place in his first start with the Vancouver Whitecaps – but he was.
The 22-year-old defender was drafted primarily to be a centre back. However, he made his first-ever MLS start at right back. He delivered a solid effort by defending against veterans with seemingly little difficulty, showing signs that he can be big in the air and making smart passes up the pitch as the Caps blanked the Philadelphia Union 3-0 at B.C. Place Stadium.
“It’s a little bit of a new feel but I’m just adjusting,” he said of playing right back. Working with the guys around me made it a lot easier. I’ve played right back in college and I played it here in pre-season for a little bit as well.”
Parker, a 22-year-old Hicksville, N.Y., native, was Vancouver’s top pick (13th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The six-foot-two and 195-pound defender started 79 of the 80 matches for St. John’s University over the past four seasons. Despite his lack of pro experience, Vancouver coach Carl Robinson opted to go with Parker instead of Ethen Sampson and Christian Dean, who also have limited pro experience – but significantly more than him.
“It was a tough decision for me to play (Parker),” said Robinson. “And, I wanted to play Timmy to give him the opportunity. Tim’s going to have to play at some stage, as is Christian Dean. I wanted to get him some minutes to get him acclimatized to the group. Leaving Ethen Sampson out was tough, because Ethen did very well for me last week in Portland. But it’s not about any individual, it’s not about the manager, it’s about the team and the club and the organization. And if I feel it’s right to do it, then I’ll do it. Tim looked like he’s played a few games with them before, didn’t he?”
Indeed, he did. Never mind that Parker is as raw as first-year MLS players can be. (Most MLS first-year players are actually veterans who have played in Europe or elsewhere overseas.) He joined the Whitecaps after a standout career at St. John’s University, where he produced four goals, two game-winners, and four assists, mainly as a central defender on a back line that posted 30 clean sheets. He also helped St. John’s make three straight NCAA tournament appearances (2011-2013) and claim the 2011 Big East Tournament title.
On Saturday, Parker helped the Whitecaps hold off a Union team that started reasonably well but faltered after Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted made a stupendous save on Andrew Wenger’s close-in volley in the 27th minute.
The Union did not mount much after Ousted’s big moment, largely because Parker and his back-line mates never allowed them to create much from within 30 yards of the Vancouver net.
“He was fantastic today,” said Ousted. “(Parker) came in and he was composed. He did his job very well together with the back four. We kept a clean sheet today. Credit goes to Tim. He played not like a rookie but a seasoned vet.”
Coach Robinson prefers to go with seasoned veterans in league matches, but he goes with a revamped lineup in Canadian championship contests. As a result, Parker could start again Wednesday as the Whitecaps host lower-tier FC Edmonton on Wednesday.
Robinson said he would have no problem starting Parker against the Eddies or in Vancouver’s next league game, either. Parker would no complaints, obviously, about making three straight starts.
The Whitecaps get a chance to begin the Canadian championship semi-final series at home after the would-be first leg in Edmonton last week was postponed due to snow.
“We knew there was a possibility of snow on Wednesday but we didn’t realize there was a possibility of it getting snowed out so it was a little disappointing,” said Parker. “We still have to keep plugging away and waiting for the opportunities. I think now it’s just about taking advantage of the home game. Playing the first leg at home, we have to put the pressure on them and take care of the rest in Edmonton.”
And, there’s a reasonable chance he will be applying some of that pressure.
The 22-year-old defender was drafted primarily to be a centre back. However, he made his first-ever MLS start at right back. He delivered a solid effort by defending against veterans with seemingly little difficulty, showing signs that he can be big in the air and making smart passes up the pitch as the Caps blanked the Philadelphia Union 3-0 at B.C. Place Stadium.
“It’s a little bit of a new feel but I’m just adjusting,” he said of playing right back. Working with the guys around me made it a lot easier. I’ve played right back in college and I played it here in pre-season for a little bit as well.”
Parker, a 22-year-old Hicksville, N.Y., native, was Vancouver’s top pick (13th overall) in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The six-foot-two and 195-pound defender started 79 of the 80 matches for St. John’s University over the past four seasons. Despite his lack of pro experience, Vancouver coach Carl Robinson opted to go with Parker instead of Ethen Sampson and Christian Dean, who also have limited pro experience – but significantly more than him.
“It was a tough decision for me to play (Parker),” said Robinson. “And, I wanted to play Timmy to give him the opportunity. Tim’s going to have to play at some stage, as is Christian Dean. I wanted to get him some minutes to get him acclimatized to the group. Leaving Ethen Sampson out was tough, because Ethen did very well for me last week in Portland. But it’s not about any individual, it’s not about the manager, it’s about the team and the club and the organization. And if I feel it’s right to do it, then I’ll do it. Tim looked like he’s played a few games with them before, didn’t he?”
Indeed, he did. Never mind that Parker is as raw as first-year MLS players can be. (Most MLS first-year players are actually veterans who have played in Europe or elsewhere overseas.) He joined the Whitecaps after a standout career at St. John’s University, where he produced four goals, two game-winners, and four assists, mainly as a central defender on a back line that posted 30 clean sheets. He also helped St. John’s make three straight NCAA tournament appearances (2011-2013) and claim the 2011 Big East Tournament title.
On Saturday, Parker helped the Whitecaps hold off a Union team that started reasonably well but faltered after Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted made a stupendous save on Andrew Wenger’s close-in volley in the 27th minute.
The Union did not mount much after Ousted’s big moment, largely because Parker and his back-line mates never allowed them to create much from within 30 yards of the Vancouver net.
“He was fantastic today,” said Ousted. “(Parker) came in and he was composed. He did his job very well together with the back four. We kept a clean sheet today. Credit goes to Tim. He played not like a rookie but a seasoned vet.”
Coach Robinson prefers to go with seasoned veterans in league matches, but he goes with a revamped lineup in Canadian championship contests. As a result, Parker could start again Wednesday as the Whitecaps host lower-tier FC Edmonton on Wednesday.
Robinson said he would have no problem starting Parker against the Eddies or in Vancouver’s next league game, either. Parker would no complaints, obviously, about making three straight starts.
The Whitecaps get a chance to begin the Canadian championship semi-final series at home after the would-be first leg in Edmonton last week was postponed due to snow.
“We knew there was a possibility of snow on Wednesday but we didn’t realize there was a possibility of it getting snowed out so it was a little disappointing,” said Parker. “We still have to keep plugging away and waiting for the opportunities. I think now it’s just about taking advantage of the home game. Playing the first leg at home, we have to put the pressure on them and take care of the rest in Edmonton.”
And, there’s a reasonable chance he will be applying some of that pressure.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Babcock's days in Detroit appear numbered
Mike Babcock's marriage to the Detroit Red Wings appears all but over.
As reported Friday, Babcock has expressed a desire to consider other options, and the Red Wings are willing to let them talk to other teams before his contract expires in July. Babcock has stated that he could still return to Detroit, and the Wings would clearly love to have him back. But this situation makes two points clear: Babcock is not committed to Detroit, perhaps for a few weeks or maybe forever, and the Red Wings are willing to let him go.
Granted, relations would have been damaged if the Red Wings had not granted him permission to talk to other teams before his contract expires, because the club would then have an angry coach that it still wants to keep and might have to work with. Also, the Wings could miss out on some other qualified coaching candidates, such as former San Jose Sharks bench boss Todd McLellan, who is a former Detroit assistant.
In turn, the Wings could also miss out on signing some unrestricted free agents, who view a potential team's coach as a key factor in their decisions. Babcock would also miss out on jobs elsewhere, because teams like to have coaches in place for free agency and planning purposes, often before the draft in late June or the July 1 free agent frenzy.
Both the Red Wings and Babcock are being decent by keeping options open. The Red Wings, who have made two contract offers, could have simply let him go while continuing to pay him until July. Also, Babcock could have stated that he won't be back.
Babcock earned such treatment after helping the Wings reach the Stanley Cup finals in 2008, when they beat Pittsburgh, and 2009 when they lost to the Penguins. He has also helped the Red Wings qualify for the playoffs in 24 straight years. Babcock has gone 527-285-119 with 19 ties in 12 NHL seasons, sports an 82-62 record in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and led Canada to gold medals in the last two Olympics. He also led the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup finals in 2003.
Both sides are showing their professionalism and respectful relationship by keeping options open, but the Red Wings are also preparing for Babcock's departure. General manager Ken Holland is not allowing other teams to talk to Jeff Blashill, coach of the Wings' AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich. Holland has stated that Blashill would be a candidate for the Detroit position if Babcock leaves.
The Red Wings like to develop coaches and players from within, so Blashill would have a good chance of being promoted. It's hard to say why Babcock wants to consider other jobs. The Red Wings, owned by Mikke Ilitch, are a wealthy organizations that can afford to meet, or at least come close enough, to his salary target, and Babcock does not have a desire to be a GM. While he might have a strong desire to win now, the Red Wings have considerable young talent on their roster and in the pipeline to offset the eventual losses of superstars Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. It won't be long before they are strong Cup contenders again.
Babcock might just want a change or a new challenge or the opportunity to work in Canada. You are not likely to find out the reasons unless Babcock moves to another team. His options are plentiful as Toronto, Buffalo, San Jose and Philadelphia have openings, while Edmonton GM Peter Chiarelli has said he will reach out to him, although Todd Nelson is still the Oilers coach for now. The strong likelihood of Edmonton choosing Connor McDavid first overall could appeal strongly to Babcock when he decides where to go. Other teams without coaching vacancies, unusual suspects as now, might also make moves if they can get Babcock. For instance, Claude Julien's future in Boston is in question, and Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter appears to be dealing with a player mutiny after the 2013-14 Stanley Cup champions missed the playoffs.
All of these factors increase the likelihood of Babcock leaving Detroit.
As reported Friday, Babcock has expressed a desire to consider other options, and the Red Wings are willing to let them talk to other teams before his contract expires in July. Babcock has stated that he could still return to Detroit, and the Wings would clearly love to have him back. But this situation makes two points clear: Babcock is not committed to Detroit, perhaps for a few weeks or maybe forever, and the Red Wings are willing to let him go.
Granted, relations would have been damaged if the Red Wings had not granted him permission to talk to other teams before his contract expires, because the club would then have an angry coach that it still wants to keep and might have to work with. Also, the Wings could miss out on some other qualified coaching candidates, such as former San Jose Sharks bench boss Todd McLellan, who is a former Detroit assistant.
In turn, the Wings could also miss out on signing some unrestricted free agents, who view a potential team's coach as a key factor in their decisions. Babcock would also miss out on jobs elsewhere, because teams like to have coaches in place for free agency and planning purposes, often before the draft in late June or the July 1 free agent frenzy.
Both the Red Wings and Babcock are being decent by keeping options open. The Red Wings, who have made two contract offers, could have simply let him go while continuing to pay him until July. Also, Babcock could have stated that he won't be back.
Babcock earned such treatment after helping the Wings reach the Stanley Cup finals in 2008, when they beat Pittsburgh, and 2009 when they lost to the Penguins. He has also helped the Red Wings qualify for the playoffs in 24 straight years. Babcock has gone 527-285-119 with 19 ties in 12 NHL seasons, sports an 82-62 record in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and led Canada to gold medals in the last two Olympics. He also led the Anaheim Ducks to the Stanley Cup finals in 2003.
Both sides are showing their professionalism and respectful relationship by keeping options open, but the Red Wings are also preparing for Babcock's departure. General manager Ken Holland is not allowing other teams to talk to Jeff Blashill, coach of the Wings' AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich. Holland has stated that Blashill would be a candidate for the Detroit position if Babcock leaves.
The Red Wings like to develop coaches and players from within, so Blashill would have a good chance of being promoted. It's hard to say why Babcock wants to consider other jobs. The Red Wings, owned by Mikke Ilitch, are a wealthy organizations that can afford to meet, or at least come close enough, to his salary target, and Babcock does not have a desire to be a GM. While he might have a strong desire to win now, the Red Wings have considerable young talent on their roster and in the pipeline to offset the eventual losses of superstars Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. It won't be long before they are strong Cup contenders again.
Babcock might just want a change or a new challenge or the opportunity to work in Canada. You are not likely to find out the reasons unless Babcock moves to another team. His options are plentiful as Toronto, Buffalo, San Jose and Philadelphia have openings, while Edmonton GM Peter Chiarelli has said he will reach out to him, although Todd Nelson is still the Oilers coach for now. The strong likelihood of Edmonton choosing Connor McDavid first overall could appeal strongly to Babcock when he decides where to go. Other teams without coaching vacancies, unusual suspects as now, might also make moves if they can get Babcock. For instance, Claude Julien's future in Boston is in question, and Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter appears to be dealing with a player mutiny after the 2013-14 Stanley Cup champions missed the playoffs.
All of these factors increase the likelihood of Babcock leaving Detroit.
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