Red Wings grant Babcock permission to talk to other teams after making big offer

Mike Babcock is free to begin discussing his future with other NHL clubs.

The Detroit Red Wings granted their head coach permission to do so, general manager Ken Holland confirmed Friday.

The negotiating window is reportedly open until late May, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.

"I want Mike here if Mike wants to be here," Holland said Friday. "That's always been my attitude toward players."

Before allowing Babcock to explore his options, the club reportedly offered the coach a multi-year deal that would make him the highest-paid in the NHL, according to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.

Holland said other teams will need to sign a compensation letter to talk to Babcock and Detroit would receive a third-round pick within the next three years if he is hired by another club.

The veteran bench boss will officially become a free agent when his contract expires on June 30.

Babcock will leave for the World Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic on Monday, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. He is reportedly expected to meet with several NHL teams at the tournament.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres all have coaching vacancies.

Holland said Friday that he would like Babcock's future to be resolved in the next two-to-three weeks.

Should Babcock leave for another club, Holland said he will interview Grand Rapids Griffins coach Jeff Blashill for the Detroit position.

One week ago, Babcock said he would meet with Holland and arrive at a plan within 10 days, adding that he had no interest in becoming a GM.

Babcock has spent 10 seasons with the Red Wings, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008 and returning to the final in 2009. He also guided the Canadian Olympic team to consecutive gold medals in 2010 and 2014.