[News] Detroit grants permission to Babcock to talk to other teams

[sureLoss]

[OutOfTheCube]

I would love it -- don't care what he gets paid, coaches don't count towards the cap and it's not my money! Not only is it a tremendous move but it immediately restores an air of respectability to the franchise after a couple of tough years and all the tank talk among media and fans.

Terry Pegula has really, really, tremendously deep pockets though. Like, wow. How does someone get that rich?

[getbak]

Pegula threw down $1.4 billion to buy the Bills less than a year ago. $50 million over 10 years is pocket change for him.

[Senator Clay Davis]

Babcock comes in, tanks as their coach and get himself intentionally fired in two years, collects $50 million. We know the Sabres approve of tanking.

[PrettyBoyFlizzy]

What a joke, he is a good coach but lets not act like his 1 stanley cup make him the greatest coach of all time like he is being treated.

Even coach Bob has that 1 world title.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheCube

Terry Pegula has really, really, tremendously deep pockets though. Like, wow. How does someone get that rich?

Energy business. He hit it big on some natural gas properties. Think he sold them for $5B or something.

[Vinny01]

Buffalo has a very nice young core in place this would be a big pickup for them if true. He does bring respectability to the franchise as they try not to tank.

Eichel, Reinhart, Kane, Ennis up front
Bogosian, Ristolinen, Zadarov on the back end
And intriguing players like Grigerenko, Girgensons, Hodgson that have potential

[edslunch]

He would really stick it to Leafs nation if he goes to Buffalo

[Badgers Nose]

Sorry Babs, your 2018/19 Sabres were no match for the Flames in this year's finals. Better luck next year.

... is what I will be saying in June 2019.

[sureLoss]

@DarrenDreger: Toronto and Buffalo in bidding war for Babcock. No decision yet. Hearing Red Wings final offer was 5 years at $4 million per.

[OutOfTheCube]

Wasn't Toronto out on this as of yesterday? TSN needs to drum up some hits?

[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Sources in BUF say they are OUT on Mike Babcock. Not going to BUF.

He is going to end up in Toronto and all media shall be flooded with Leafs talk for the next 3 weeks.

[sureLoss]

Aaron Ward @TSNAaronWard
Source say Mike Babcock has decided to leave the Detroit Red Wings. #TSN

[codynw]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Aaron Ward @TSNAaronWard
Source say Mike Babcock has decided to leave the Detroit Red Wings. #TSN

Babcock to Boston confirmed?!?!?

[dino7c]

this whole thing is kinda ridiculous, its as if we are talking about some high end player but a coach?

[sureLoss]

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
According to @TSNAaronWard, DET is out on Babcock. BUF is out. That leaves TOR, STL and SJ.

[dammage79]

So Babcock to Buffalo?

Haha Wardo, you're never going to have that go away.

[flamesfan55]

Wow Toronto must be tossing some serious cash his way.

[Otto-matic]

TBH I see him ending up in San Jose, Decent lineup. Might be able to motivate Jumbo Joe.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by automaton 3

Buffalo is in complete disarray though. The young talent is very raw and has not been burnished to a high sheen in the AHL as the Red Wings do.

Yeah... but they're not the Oilers either (shoving them all into the NHL whether they're ready or not). They are letting their 2nd tier guys perculate in the AHL and they were perfectly content to send Reinhart to the WHL after his 9 game audition.

The team that the Sabres did put forth these last few years is not the best team they could put forth. I wouldn't be shocked if that team moved more quickly up the standings then you'd otherwise expect of the #30 team... if they get decent goaltending. I think if Babcock signs it'll be on the promise that Murray will go out and get a legit starting goaltender of at least average quality.