Report: Red Wings refuse Canucks' request to interview AHL coach Jeff Blashill

The Detroit Red Wings have reportedly made good on their stated reluctance to allow Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill to interview for NHL head coaching jobs, refusing just such a request from the Vancouver Canucks according to Sportsnet's Dan Murphy.

The 40-year-old Blashill is one of the fastest rising stars among professional hockey coaches. This year Blashill followed up on guiding the Griffins to a Calder Cup Trophy win in 2013, with a 46-23-7 regular season record. For his effots he was named the AHL's coach of the year.

Recently Blashill was given a three-year contract extension, a transaction that was seen at the time as something of an insurance policy for the club amid ongoing negotiations with head coach Mike Babcock.

"I don’t really want to be a development team for other people," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said in late April in regards to allowing Blashill the opportunity to pursue NHL head coaching jobs.