Holland's extension comes as the team missed the playoffs for the second straight yearGETTY IMAGES
The Red Wings have agreed to a "new two-year contract" with Exec VP & GM Ken Holland, according to Bob Duff of the AP. The team missed the playoffs for the second straight year after not missing the postseason for the previous 25 years. Red Wings Gov., President & CEO Chris Ilitch said, "We're used to be being in the playoffs, we're used to competing for Stanley Cups, and believe me, that's where we all want to be. That's a lot of fun. To get back there, it's a process. We've done it before and we're going to do it again. We think Ken is the right guy to lead that for our organization" (AP, 4/7). Ilitch said, "I told the players, I think the long-term future of this team is very bright." He added, "I focus on the big picture and what the strategy is. And I think Ken Holland, he has the experience, he has a great strategy, he is executing it aggressively. We are seeing steps forward. From an ownership perspective, and I speak for [Red Wings Owner & Secretary-Treasurer] Marian Ilitch as well, we are very pleased with the progress" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/8).
UNPLEASANT REALITY: In Detroit, Bob Wojnowski writes skepticism is "warranted when you retain the leaders of a group that finished 27th in a 31-team league and missed the playoffs for the second straight season." However, when the Red Wings "fully committed to a rebuild, they committed to an unpleasant reality." Ownership simply "sought evidence of progress, and because there was, this is the fair outcome -- for now." In some ways, Ilitch is doing what Holland has "done for many years -- practicing loyalty" (DETROIT NEWS, 4/9). THE ATHLETIC's Craig Custance wrote under the header, "Ken Holland Extension Met With Skepticism From Those Wondering If Ownership Is Listening" (THEATHLETIC.com, 4/8).
