Mike Babcock's return to Detroit anything but done deal

Coaching is a bottom-line profession. Performance reviews come in the form of win-loss records in the final standings.

A coach must continue to win in the regular season and sometimes the playoffs to have any measure of job security. Unemployed Dan Bylsma, who has a Stanley Cup championship ring in his possession, can testify that's how the system works.

Coaches win and they get a contract extension. Coaches lose and they get fired. Everyone who accepts an NHL coaching job knows how it works.

That's why Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock's situation is intriguing: He has continued to win and the team is offering him an extension, but Babcock is saying not so fast. He might want to explore his options next summer.

If he gets that far, Babcock would be the hottest free agent in the coaching marketplace.

The Red Wings and Babcock have cordially agreed not to make the negotiations a distraction during the season. In other words, they won't discuss it publicly.

But that won't stop the hockey world from talking about it. Babcock's status certainly will come up this week when the Red Wings play a home-and-home set against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto coach Randy Carlyle lacks job security, and even last summer there was speculation the Maple Leafs' long-term objective might be to secure Babcock. His name will be discussed every time an NHL coach appears to be in trouble.

All we know for sure is the Red Wings have made a contract offer to Babcock, and he has said he doesn't really see himself going anywhere else. This is his 10th season in Detroit.

We also know general manager Ken Holland has said many times he admires how well Babcock prepares his teams.

This situation has nothing to do with Babcock's ability as a coach. Although the Red Wings were ousted in the first round last season by the Boston Bruins, Babcock did some of his best coaching work just to push the team into the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season.

Because of numerous injuries, Babcock seemed to be playing his junior varsity team against the varsity all season. At various times, more than half of his lineup was made up of players from their American Hockey League affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich.

It's part of the NHL world for players to explore free agency, but coaches rarely do it because they rarely have much leverage. Usually, only a few coaching opportunities are available every summer, and they have no guarantee they will land one.

Babcock hasn't said he will let his contract expire and listen to offers. But with a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals and a world championship on his résumé, he has the clout to do that. A team potentially could fire its coach to get a shot at Babcock.

Having paid his dues to get to where he is today, Babcock has earned the right, if he so chooses, to see what else is available.

The Red Wings and Babcock are trying hard to keep this professional and amicable, but everyone understands there's a danger these talks could go sideways.

Money might be the primary issue, but owner Mike Ilitch historically has never let money stand in the way of signing whom he wants.

If Babcock waits until after the season, he could become intrigued by a new challenge elsewhere.

Or maybe the Red Wings will grow impatient or feel insulted or become too enamored with their Plan B. Highly regarded Jeff Blashill is coaching in Grand Rapids. Maybe both sides conclude it's time for a change.

While the Red Wings are trying to re-sign Babcock, they don't fear losing him. Remember, this organization had to replace legendary coach Scotty Bowman when he retired after winning the 2002 Stanley Cup.

The Red Wings might believe that if they can replace Bowman, they can replace anyone, including Babcock.

The one truth that cannot be overlooked: If this were destined to be an easy negotiation, it would be done by now.