New Red Wings assistant coach Granato: 'This is a premier organization'

New Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Tony Granato is excited about joining an organization that has served as something of a standard bearer in the NHL for nearly a generation. 

He's also excited about getting to work with head coach Mike Babcock, and praised Babcock's work as a bench boss at length in a conversation with Bob Duff of the Windsor Star on Monday:

I know that they would always be prepared, probably as prepared as any team in the league.

I think they’ve got a tremendous work ethic and the system in place that Mike’s put in and has been part of for a long time shows the consistency and that when you do have situations whether it be injuries or tough parts of the schedule, you find a way to win and be competitive. And that’s what they’ve been able to do. I respect the fact that (Babcock) was able to get the most out his players, consistently find ways to get the most out of who he has and the other thing is they play the same way. 

The Detroit Red Wings play a system and brand of hockey consistently through the years that’s tough to play against every night. Systematically sound and from that perspective I think the way Mike is able to get the most out of his players and personnel is something I’ve admired about him and also the organization.

Granato signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings two weeks ago, so he's gambling on himself this upcoming season. It's worth noting, also, that Babcock similarly has just one-year remaining on his deal, something that has emerged as a constant source of speculation this summer. The ramifications of this uncertainty isn't lost on Granato.

"I think everybody knows what Mike’s position is," Granato said in reference to Babcocks' expiring contract. "I’m in a position where I hope Mike soon signs a longer term extension and I hope I’m able to do the same thing."

As for the appeal of coming to a model organization, Granato seems excited. Perhaps that isn't surprising when one considers the Red Wings' habit of graduating their assistant coaches to top jobs with other organizations around the league.

"When the Detroit position came available, I looked at the team, I looked at the staff, I looked at the management team led by (GM) Kenny (Holland) and ownership (of the Ilitch family)," Granato said. "This is a premier organization and I wanted to be part of it. I’m lucky it became available when it did and I’m thrilled to be part of it."

[H/T Kukla's Korner]