Notes: Babcock talks contract situation; Alfredsson still undecided on future
DETROIT -- Although Red Wings players have been holding informal workouts at Joe Louis Arena for the last several days, Wednesday was the first day the media was allowed to attend these unsupervised practices.
Most of the Wings were in attendance -- the exceptions being Stephen Weiss and Pavel Datsyuk -- but it was Coach Mike Babcock and his contract situation that took center stage.
"I'm sure I will (talk to GM Ken Holland before season)," Babcock said on Wednesday. "This is what I would tell you. If we get something done in September, great. But if we don't -- and I've said this, and no one believes me -- I have a real good relationship with the general manager. And I'm real confident in my own ability and confident in the ability he has to put together a team.
"We'll find a way to work something out over time. But I'm not all wound up about this one bit. I'm real comfortable. I'm not selling my house or anything like that. Life's good for me."
Babcock blames himself for letting his contract be the main topic of discussion over this summer, saying that he was caught "off guard" when asked about it on locker-cleanout day. He thinks he said too much to the press that day, which created a lot of overblown speculation.
Babcock reiterated that he likes it here and is proud of his accomplishments as he enters his 10th season behind Detroit's bench.
When asked why he wouldn't play out his contract until the end, Babcock conceded that he's in a good position, but he quickly added:
"I've thought a lot about that. I've had the whole summer, lots of people have asked me this question. Kenny Holland is a good man, the Ilitches are good people and they've looked after us."
Just maybe, loyalty to the organization will again win out for the Red Wings in the end.
Alfredsson letting his body decide
It's no secret that Daniel Alfredsson wants to play for the Wings and that they want last season's leading scorer to return.
But Alfredsson isn't ready to commit unless he believes his body can withstand the rigors of another NHL season.
"I would love to play, there's no question," Alfredsson said. "But at the same time, you have to listen to your body. I think if I was confident enough after the season that if I would start this season as I did last year, I would have signed already.
"I had some issues with my back throughout the year but nothing serious until the end, when I started getting some tingling in the nerve down the right leg. That's what worries me more than anything.
"I'm going to sit down with Mr. Holland and Mike (Babcock), as well, and see what they are thinking. We're going to do it face-to-face and go from there."
Alfredsson wouldn't give a specific date of when he'll make his decision to sign or retire, but he has been encouraged by the way his body is feeling.
"It's been OK for the last while," he said. "I've been skating a little bit in Sweden, and now coming over here and doing more full skates, it feels pretty good.
"I just have to make sure that when you do it every day for a couple of weeks, we'll see how it feels. We'll go from there and make sure it holds up."
Howard excited to get started
Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, who over the summer became a father for the second time, is all fired up to start the season.
"I'm just excited to be back here," he said. "This is probably the best I've felt in two to three years. I'm excited to get going.
"I've played a lot of hockey over the last several years, so there's been a lot of wear and tear. I've been able to get healthy over the summertime. I feel really good."
Howard was asked if he views this upcoming season as a rebound year from last season's disappointing campaign.
"Each year is different," he said. "You just have to go out there and play. You have to control what you can control, and I think I've done that this offseason. That's why I'm so excited to start this season off.
"I'm hoping the guys did the same thing -- that they took this summer to get healthy, so we can all take the next step in the right direction."
