The Detroit Red Wings and Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill agreed to a three-year contract, which will run through the 2016-17 season, the NHL team announced Wednesday.
Blashill had one year left on his contract. Detroit general manager Ken Holland said he denied permission to NHL teams to speak to the 40-year-old about coaching vacancies, the Red Wings website reported.
"He's a very important person in our organization because we are in the process of trying to transition to some of the younger players that we have," Holland said. "... We are thrilled with the job that he has done from a competitive standpoint, from a development standpoint. ...
"I think his feeling is that he can use another year or two, certainly one more year, to continue developing as a coach, and we'll see what happens next summer."
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has one year remaining on his contract. Holland told the website there was some discussion of an extension this week at scouting meetings but nothing was settled.
"We talked a little bit briefly and now he's gone with his wife on a vacation for 10 days," Holland said. "So I'll see him at the draft (June 27)."
Blashill joined Babcock's staff prior to the 2011-12 season. He moved to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League the next season.
"I'm excited to continue to grow within the organization and to continue to have an opportunity in my role as head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins," Blashill said. "It's been a great learning experience for me, it's been a great life experience and I've really enjoyed helping our young Red Wings prospects develop while trying to win championships with the Griffins."
Grand Rapids won the Calder Cup in 2012-13 and this season Blashill was named the outstanding coach in the AHL. He has a two-season record of 88-49-6-9.
NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, the Stanley Cup Playoffs logo, the Stanley Cup Final logo, Center Ice name and logo, NHL Conference logos, NHL Winter Classic name, and The Biggest Assist Happens Off The Ice are registered trademarks and Vintage Hockey word mark and logo, The Game Lives Where You Do, NHL Winter Classic logo, NHL Heritage Classic name and logo, NHL Stadium Series name and logo, NHL All-Star logo, NHL Face-Off name and logo, NHL. TV, NHL Premium, NHL After Dark, NHL GameCenter, NHL GameCenter LIVE, NHL Network name and logo, NHL Tonight name and logo, On The Fly, NHL Awards name and logo, NHL Draft name and logo, Hockey Fights Cancer, Because It's The Cup, NHL Green name and logo, NHL Vault, Hockey Is For Everyone, NHL Thanksgiving Showdown name and logo, NHL Centennial Classic name and logo, NHL Centennial Season logo, NHL100 Classic name and logo, NHL Global Series name and logo, NHL China Games name and logo, and Don't Miss A Moment are trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. © NHL 2018. All Rights Reserved. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. © Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2018. All Rights Reserved. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.