Playing hockey again in the NHL is almost a done deal, and the Red Wings have signed up a new coach, while still waiting for word from the heart-and-soul of the organization on whether he will play another season.

Mike Babcock, former coach of the semi-hated Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, had his introductory news conference yesterday and talked about “demanding accountability” while his boss, Ken Holland, talked about instilling fear in players while harkening back to the good old days of Scotty Bowman.

They seem to big on the idea of a fresh face (and Babcock is only 42, though he’s been coaching for the last 18). From my chair, keeping Barry Smith on as one assistant would help continuity and foster respect from the longtime veterans, but I don’t see Joe Kocur staying on.

And while everybody will have plenty of homework after the collective bargaining agreement is finalized, Steve Yzerman is still thinking about whether he wants to come back for a 22nd season at age 40. As part of a new labor deal, he’d probably be paid a lot less this year, but I doubt that’s entering into his thinking.

There’s also reports that the NHL will be tougher on drugs and nicer to fans. Both efforts should score well on public surveys. Whether they get fans in the seats is an entirely different undertaking though.

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