from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

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.

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added 4:16pm, George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press,

Ken Holland is expected return as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings next season, the Free Press has learned. It's unclear how the contract will be structured.

"He's going to be back as the GM," a person familiar with the situation told the Free Press on Tuesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Wings, who will miss the playoffs for the second straight season, have not addressed Holland's future..

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