Mike Babcock's decision on his future just became even more interesting as the soon-to-be free agent is set to talk to the San Jose Sharks, while a return to the Detroit Red Wings remains a possibility.
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According to NHL.com, Babcock is set to speak with the Sharks later this week about the vacancy behind their bench, following the team mutually parting ways with Todd McLellan on April 20 following a disappointing season.
McLellan worked under Babcock as an assistant before departing for San Jose in 2008.
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Per the report, Babcock initiated talks with the Sharks and he would like to make a decision on his future by Wednesday, but it remains to be seen if he will decide to defect from Detroit.
The Red Wings are hoping to bring Babcock back and have set a goal to have a resolution to this situation by May 25 after granting Babcock, whose contract is up on June 30, permission to speak with other teams on May 8.
Per a stipulation in allowing other teams to talk to Babcock that was put in place by GM Ken Holland, any team that signs Babcock will forfeit a third-round pick to the Red Wings.
The Sharks have been added to a list of teams that have spoken to Babcock that includes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues, who have yet to decide whether or not Ken Hitchcock will return following another disappointing early postseason exit.
San Jose finished 40-33-9 under McLellan this past season and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
Babcock, who was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award last season, has guided the Red Wings to the postseason in all 10 campaigns at the helm. The playoff appearances have extended the team's NHL record to 24 straight seasons with a trip to the tournament.
Babcock led Detroit to its 11th Stanley Cup in 2008 and helped bring the team back to the Stanley Cup Final in 2009, where it lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games.
The Red Wings recent history, however, hasn't been as solid as the team has lost five of its last six playoff series and hasn't advanced past Round 2 since 2009.
Detroit finished 43-25-14 this season, reaching the 100-point milestone for the first time since 2012.
Babcock is 527-285-19-119 in his coaching career over the span of 10 seasons split between the Anaheim Ducks and Red Wings and 82-62 overall in the postseason, 67-56 with Detroit.
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