Babcock: Grass isn't greener elsewhere
/Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, who has one year left on his current contract, was on Detroit Sports 105.1 Thursday.
"I'm comfortable," Babcock began, when asked about the contract speculation. "I like it here a lot. I think we got good kids coming. We're going in the right direction. We got a new building coming. I enjoy the general manager, he's very competitive and wants to be good. He's not satisfied with what's been going on of late. I think our owner is very demanding yet appreciative, he gives you an opportunity for success.
"I just think it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. If they want to do an extension and it works out for both of us, great. If they don't and want me to go year-to-year, I'm comfortable with that too. I'm going to get a job."
On if he'd want to end his career with the Red Wings, or look around:
Babcock said he's not thinking like that and he has relationship with Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Niklas Kronwall with "a bunch of kids on the move. I don't mind this situation"
He added, "The reality is the grass isn't greener on the other side. It's just not. I know the people here, I like it here."
On speculation involving coaching the Leafs: "I think you guys need to fill some air. I mean, I'm not thinking like that at all, to be honest with you. All I'm doing is doing what I do each and every year. Having individual meetings and getting ready for next year."
Babcock also indicated, "If I was a young coach, I'd be concerned about my contract. I'm not one bit concerned about it."
On talk he should win the Jack Adams award: "The guy who carries the Cup around at the end, that's the coach of the year."
Related: Holland, Babcock enjoy mutual respect
Source: Detroit Sports 105.1