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Jeff Blashill, who coached the Grand Rapids Griffins to the Calder Cup title his first season, is in the second year of a three-year deal with Detroit.

(MLive file photo)

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Jeff Blashill, whose name has popped up the past year as a possible NHL coaching candidate, said he has no plans to leave the Grand Rapids Griffins after this season.

The coach, who in his first year led the Griffins to the franchise’s first Calder Cup Trophy, is in the second year of a three-year contract with the Detroit organization.

When asked if he expects to be back next season, Blashill replied, “Absolutely.”

The organization would like to keep him past next season, but that will be a challenge if the Griffins continue their current pace. They finished the regular season one point shy of a second consecutive Midwest Division title. They open the playoffs tonight at Abbotsford.

“We, meaning (general manager) Ken Holland, myself and the organization, think he is one of the best, if not the best, coach in the AHL,” said Ryan Martin, the Red Wings assistant general manager. “He has a bright future in the NHL. He just needs some time, the right opportunity and the right fit.”

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, who has been with the team since 2005-06, signed a contract extension in 2010 that runs through 2014-15.

Likewise, Martin does not expect the 40-year-old Blashill to leave, although it remains to be seen what interest level he attracts if the Griffins again go deep in the playoffs.

A year ago, there was talk the Dallas Stars were interested in him, primarily because their new general manager was Jim Nill, a longtime former assistant GM with the Red Wings. Blashill said he never spoke with the Dallas organization.

Blashill had been a quick study, spending just one season at Western Michigan and as an assistant with the Red Wings under Babcock before he landed the Griffins job.

For this postseason, Blashill said he won’t address any coaching rumors.

“My focus 100 percent is on winning Friday night’s game and win a tough series against Abbotsford,” he said. “And any rumors, I tend not to respond to them because they’re unfounded.

“My other focus is on that I have a year left on my contract with Detroit, and my job is to develop Detroit Red Wings and win for the Grand Rapids Griffins. Those are the two things I’m focusing on.”

The Griffins play the first two games of the five-game series in Abbotsford before returning home to Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, April 30. Games four and five would also be at home May 2-3, as necessary.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.