DETROIT - Ken Holland will return as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings next season, with or without a contact, a source told MLive.

Holland's future has been in question from the start of the season because, unlike previous years, he wasn't extended prior to the final year of his contract.

But ownership has decided Holland, the GM since 1997, should head the rebuilding job the franchise faces after missing the postseason two years in a row, following a 25-season playoff streak.

It is unclear whether an official announcement will be made before the end of the season, but some clarity was expected before the team gathers for photo and locker cleanout day, shortly after the season finale on April 7.

Holland, 62, and Nashville's David Poile have the longest current tenure in the league as GM of their respective teams. The Red Wings have had tremendous success with Holland as GM - three Stanley Cup championships, four Presidents' Trophies and 19 playoff appearances.

However, the club has only one playoff series win since 2011. Critics cite the need for change due to a series of bad contracts, lack of player for player trades and, until the past few years, drafting of several top picks who didn't pan out.

But the Red Wings have laid a foundation for their rebuild, with several promising young forwards on their roster (including Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi and Evgeny Svechnikov) and one who appears to be close (2017 top pick Michael Rasmussen).

As a seller at the past two trade deadlines, Holland has accumulated 11 picks in this year's draft, including two each in the first and second rounds and likely three in the third (if the Philadelphia Flyers reach the playoffs).

The source said Jeff Blashill likely will return for his fourth season as head coach, the final year of his contract. Despite the team's struggles - the Red Wings are 1-12-1 in their past 14 and only five points from last place overall - the organization believes players are competing, working hard and responding to Blashill.

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