Babcock, Holmstrom update
The Red Wings and coach Mike Babcock officially announced a three-year contract extension Wednesday morning at Joe Louis Arena. Babcock, 45, guided the Wings to a Stanley Cup in his third season with the team. He had an option for a fourth season but declined it, in hopes of securing a long-term deal. "Mike has developed into one of the best coaches in the league," Holland said. "Mike and I basicialy were real close to an agreement before the first game of the Nashville series. We wanted to make sure the focus was on the team and the playoffs. "He's found the line between pushing our players and having that relationship where he can talk to our players." Babcock was pleased to have an opportunity to put down roots in the Detroit area. "Our staff here have the same passion that I do," Babcock said. "They care about hockey." In other news, Holland said Tomas Holmstrom is having surgery Wednesday morning for a sports hernia. Holland estimates it'll be six to eight weeks of recuperation, which will make Holmstrom ready for training camp.
