Red Wings sign GM Holland to 4-year deal

The Detroit Red Wings have signed executive vice president and general manager Ken Holland to a four-year contract through the 2017-18 season.

Holland has been Detroit's GM for the last 17 seasons, and since he took over in July 1997, his teams have won more regular-season games (746) and postseason games (115) than any other organization. The Red Wings won Stanley Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2008 - and another in 1997 while he was an assistant GM.

''Ken is regarded as one of the premier executives in the National Hockey League and has been instrumental in the success of the Red Wings over the last two decades,'' Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch said in a statement. ''We feel strongly that stability is key to the success of any organization and having this new agreement in place with Ken is important to the organization and its future.''

Detroit fought through injuries in 2013-14 to make the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season, but the Red Wings lost in the first round to Boston. Coach Mike Babcock has one year remaining on his contract.

Holland has been with the Red Wings in some capacity for the last 31 seasons. He was a player and a scout before joining management.

During his tenure as GM, the Red Wings have won four Presidents' Trophies, five regular-season conference titles and 10 division titles.