- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Mike Babcock said that he’ll be visiting each city that he is considering. He’s flying to the World Championships today and will return on the 17th. The Red Wings imposed deadline is the 25th of May.
“Whatever happens,” one GM said, “he’s going to be the highest-paid coach in the league. It’s not like someone’s going to say to him, ‘Well, your wife wants to be here, so we’re only going to pay you $50.’”
Top contenders for Babcock: Red Wings, Sabres and Flyers.
Yeah, I don’t know: Maple Leafs and Sharks.Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli met with Todd Nelson at length on Saturday. The Oilers won’t comment about their coaching situation. One team that is also interested in Todd McLellan was hearing that a deal with the Oilers was close.
Red Wings GM Ken Holland thinks that Jeff Blashill is NHL ready. Paul MacLean could be a Red Wings candidate if Babcock moves on.
- AP in USA Today: Mike Babcock toured the Sabres arena yesterday with owner Terry Pegula and GM Tim Murray. Red Wings GM Ken Holland wouldn’t comment on which teams have contacted him looking for permission to speak with Babcock. Source saying that Todd McLellan and Luke Richardson are candidates for the Sabres coaching position.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers appear to be most interested in Babcock and then McLellan for their vacant head coaching position. Flyers GM Ron Hextall won’t be in Prague at the World Championship, where both Babcock and McLellan will be. Dan Bylsma could end up in New Jersey, reuniting with Ray Shero.
- Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said over the weekend that they don’t plan on reaching out to the Red Wings to get permission to speak with Mike Babcock.
“We are committed to our present coaching staff,” Rutherford told Trib Total Media on Saturday.
“We have our coaching staff in place,” Rutherford said. “We will not be pursuing him.”