DETROIT, MICH — Today has been chocked full of updates regarding Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, and his ongoing negotiations between the Detroit club, and the Buffalo Sabres. I will say that I admire Babcock’s unwillingness to drag this entire event out longer than it should be, it sounds like we will have a definite answer by tomorrow at some point.
My opinion remains that Buffalo will ultimately give Babcock whatever he wants in terms of money, and personnel control, and while Ken Holland could likely promise the same thing, he hasn’t exactly given the coach what he’s wanted in the past. We all know that Babcock wanted defenseman Xavier Ouellet as a part of the roster this season, but did not get his wish, as Ouellet only saw 21 games. This is just an example, but it could speak loudly in negotiations.
We’ve been constantly told that money is not an issue between both organizations, however, my gut tells me that if Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula puts up a blank check, Mike Illitch might not play ball with that. It’s not that he doesn’t have the money, it’s just a gut feeling on my end.
All reports today have pretty much pointed out that Buffalo seems to be leading in terms of negotiating with Babcock. A few days ago, we were all fairly certain that he was staying, and after today I am not so sure that’s the case anymore. Whatever the case is, we will know what is to come of Mike Babcock tomorrow.
If you haven’t been on Twitter at all, here are some of the things that have been said from both Red Wings and Sabres beat-writers:
Buffalo or Detroit? Detroit or Buffalo? Those seem to be Mike Babcock’s only two possible landing spots. I think … Buffalo.
— Chuck Pleiness (@wingsfrontman) May 19, 2015
Sabres’ huge offer will persuade Mike Babcock and family to leave Detroit, source in NHL coaching fraternity says. http://t.co/idgK2t1c86
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) May 19, 2015
Coaching source says Mike Babcock likes the fact that Tim Murray isn’t a daily micro-manager and is often scouting rather than with team.
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) May 19, 2015
This was not to say that Ken Holland is a micro-manager. It’s just to say that Babcock knows situation he’d be going to and likes it.
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) May 19, 2015
Source familiar tells me Mike Babcock down to Buffalo and Detroit, confidently predicts Buffalo’s big money will be choice. Toronto is out.
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) May 19, 2015
AP Source: Mike Babcock in contract talks with Buffalo Sabres http://t.co/1ysvgZs6vM (@john_wawrow)
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) May 19, 2015
Asked Mike Babcock if he is leaving Detroit? Babcock: “Not sure, know by morning.” #RedWings
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) May 19, 2015
UPDATE:
This is a big one..
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>A source close to the situation tells me the Sabres' offer is "in the range of $50 million dollars"</p>— Matthew Coller (@MatthewWGR) <a href=”https://twitter.com/MatthewWGR/status/600770259671490562″>May 19, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Who do you think Mike Babcock will be coaching for next season?
| Buffalo Sabres | 692 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 188 |
| Other | 16 |
