The number of quality free agent coaches available this offseason is arguably higher than it’s ever been. With these vacancies, there is sure to be significant turnover. The most sought after of those names on the market, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, is going to test those free agent waters. Bob McKenzie reported yesterday that he’s been granted permission to talk to other NHL teams.
DET has granted Mike Babcock permission to talk to other NHL teams. Window open til late May. Doesn't mean Babcock leaving DET, window open.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 8, 2015
That window opens at 12 noon ET today. So Babcock will gauge interest and then make a decision on his future.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 8, 2015
Every single team with a coaching vacancy would be foolish not to consider him. His resume is impressive. Since taking over as the Red Wings head coach in 2005, Detroit’s made the playoffs every single season during his tenure, bringing home the Stanley Cup in 2007-2008.
His rumored asking price is said to be, justifiably, very high
Told offer was substantially higher then Quenneville's who is highest paid. As of now #RedWings not willing to pay 5m per yr as others might
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) May 8, 2015
Detroit is still very much in the mix, and this news shouldn’t skewer hopes that he’s not going to be retained. Ken Holland said himself that he’s put in offers and hopes to get a deal done. Detroit has a very real chance to retain Babcock. Despite Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg getting older, the team has steadily produced an envious group of developed youngsters. Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar played in Grand Rapids before they became legit NHL snipers. Petr Mrazek was brilliant during the playoffs. The teams prospect group also includes standouts Anthony Mantha and Shane Larkin. The team is in fine shape. There’s plenty of reasons to stay.
Now, in the event Babcock does jump the ship, which destination makes the most sense for him?
Mike Babcock says key factors in his decision:
1. What his wife thinks
2. Winning— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) May 1, 2015
The Edmonton Oilers have hinted they’re doing they’re due-diligence on Babcock. The team didn’t seem like a likely destination when they yet again unintentionally tanked and finished 28th in the league with 62 points. But luckily for the Oilers, they miraculously had the lottery balls align yet again and now Connor McDavid is a real part of their future.
While the prospect of coaching McDavid for X amount of years in the future is the obvious draw, Edmonton has a nice young nucleus in place. Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are all top-six forwards who are going to get better. While Nail Yakupov has been a slight disappointment after being selected first overall, he’s still got untapped potential and looked like a very solid NHLer while playing with a decent veteran, Derek Roy, on his line. Oscar Klefbom didn’t look out of place on the back end. The team also had a handful a promising prospects who soon should be NHL ready including Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl. It probably doesn’t hurt that Oilers ownership finally saw the light and axed Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish. The job might have seemed like a preposterous destination before lottery night, but there’s a chance it could be Babcock’s landing spot.
The Buffalo Sabres are in a similar boat as Edmonton. After axing scapegoat Ted Nolan, the team needs a coach and they have a generational star in Jack Eichel on his way. The Sabres also have an owner who has deep pockets. I’ll let Bob McKenzie take the mic on this one.
BUF GM Tim Murray has history with Babcock dating back to days in ANA. Sabre owner Terry Pegula has lot of $ and not likely to be outbid.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 12, 2015
The Sabres make sense, but if Babcock is looking for a win-now team, that’s likely not the Sabres. While Tim Murray has done an admirable job buidling a solid group of youngsters, they are still years away from competing and have tons of gaps that need to be filled to get there.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have also long been rumored in being interested in Mike Babcock and before the team imploded, it didn’t seem that far-fetched. Money certainly wouldn’t be an obstacle and coaching in his home province would certainly be enticing. Unfortunately for Toronto they are in the early stages of a much needed rebuild and the team doesn’t have much to offer aside from money. The Leafs do have a great management team with Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas, and William Nylander is going to be a dynamic player one day, but the team still lacks organizational depth. While they’re on their way to righting the ship, they aren’t anywhere close to be ready to contend. It would make sense if they hired a younger up-and-comer to coach the team, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility they get Babcock, although their chances seem slim.
The Flyers, Sharks or any other team with a coaching opening should submit an offer for Babcock’s services. His coaching credentials are impressive and any team would be lucky to have him.
Babcock’s got a very interesting but difficult decision ahead of him. There are many viable options that each offer something different. Babcock is this offseason’s biggest free agent, and whatever team lands him will be very luck to do so. Let the summer of Babcock begin.