The Associated Press is reporting Mike Babcock, the NHL’s biggest coaching free agent ever, is in contract talks with the Buffalo Sabres to become their next head coach.
The person said negotiations were taking place by phone between Babcock and Sabres general manager Tim Murray on Tuesday afternoon. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the talks are private.
Babcock is still under contract with the Detroit Red Wings through June 30. The Red Wings, however, have granted Babcock permission to speak with other teams. He visited Buffalo and met with Murray and Sabres owner Terry Pegula on May 10.
Babcock has not ruled out staying put in Detroit, and said he wanted to make a decision on his future by Wednesday.
Babcock was previously reported to be finally making his decision on where he would go by Wednesday.
Earlier reports today suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the finalists for Babcock’s services, would not be his destination – as the Red Wings and Sabres were the two teams he was choosing between.
We’ll update as the story continues.
