Goaltender Ty Conklin may soon find himself back in the Winged Wheel backing up Jimmy Howard for the 2011-12 season.
According to Ansar Khan of Mlive.com who cites an unnamed source, the team is currently talking with Conklin’s agent about bringing the 35-year-old netminder back to Detroit. Furthermore this unnamed source said that the Wings have a ‘pretty good chance’ at signing Conklin for next season.
Chris Osgood seems to be still in the mix for the backup job however it seems that Ken Holland would like to explore other options aside from the longtime Red Wing.
Osgood is scheduled to return home this Saturday from a golf trip to Scotland with several teammates. The trip was a gift for his 400th win which he (Osgood) accomplished last season.
“Nothing’s happened. I want to wait,” Holland said. “There’s not a lot of options, but there are some options. I’m hoping to talk to Osgood in the next few days and then we’ll make our decision.”
If another goalie like Conklin is brought on-board to fulfill the backup duties, Osgood will likely retire.
What about Joey MacDonald?
Khan also writes that Joey MacDonald may also be brought back to the Red Wings next season.
Holland is currently talking to the agent of MacDonald in hopes of signing him as their number 3 goalie in the organization.
MacDonald is reportedly seeking a one-way contract (NHL-only salary) and may have an offer from a Russian team as a contingency plan.
Now if MacDonald is truly seeking a one-way contract then he may be granted that by the Wings for around $500,000 as a starter for the Griffins. Khan says that would give them a veteran insurance policy to recall in case of injury.
Assistant Coaching Search
The Wings are still looking for two assistant coaches to fill the void left by Brad McCrimmon, who took a head coaching job in the KHL and Paul MacLean who took a head coaching job with the Senators.
So, in addition to trying to fill the backup goaltending vacancy by the end of the week, the Wings will also try to fill the assistant head coaching vacancies as well.
According to Khans article, head coach Mike Babcock has mostly been talking to younger candidates who have coached in the AHL, college or the major junior ranks.
With that said there is a good chance that the new assistant coaches will have never coached in the NHL.
“Think young, hungry guys, aggressive guys that want to be (like) Mike Babcock four years from now,” said one person familiar with the search.
If this was any other coaching staff and/or front office I would have my concerns about bringing aboard a young group of assistant coaches who’ve never coached at a major level. However I have full confidence in Ken Holland and Mike Babcock that they will make the right moves.
Source: Mlive.com