Darren Dreger: The Maple Leafs and Sabres are in a bidding war for Mike Babcock. No decision has been made yet. Hearing that the Red Wings final offer was for five-years at $4 million per season. Babcock could embrace the opportunity and take less to remain with the Red Wings.
Bob McKenzie: “On #BabcockWatch, there should be no shame in admitting we’re all still, more or less, guessing on outcome, as next 3 tweets illustrate: “@BuffNewsVogl: Still waiting for final word, but seems like things are progressing well for Sabres with Mike Babcock.” Example No. 1. Example No. 2: one of Babcock’s NHL coaching colleagues firmly believes he’s staying put in DET. Example No. 3: while it was all DET or BUF talk yesterday, it was suggested this morning TOR not entirely out of picture.”
John Vogl: “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. 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.”
Mike Harrington: The Red Wings are fine with Jeff Blashill, or it may be pretty arrogant of them to think the Babcock would stay for $3.25 million with the Sabres are offering $5 million plus.
Jimmy Murphy: Believe that Bruins new GM Don Sweeney will keep Claude Julien as their coach. Was told that Julien remaining was what Sweeney wanted if he was to take the job.
Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: If Babcock stays in Detroit, the Maple Leafs may attempt to land Jeff Blashill. Other candidates for the Leafs include Dan Bylsma, Guy Boucher and Pete DeBoer.
Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Ken Hitchcock’s contract with the Blues expires in June. Hitchcock and GM Doug Armstrong agreed to meet up after Armstrong returned from the World Championships. Hitchcock has been showing up the Blues practice facility to watch film. It’s believed that he wants to return with the Blues next season. It’s believed the Blues are waiting for a response from Babcock, and have been letting Hitchcock know what is going on for the entire time.
News 1130 Sports: The owner of WHL’s Vancouver Giants confirms that he’s spoken with Ted Nolan about their coaching vacancy. Nolan is waiting to see if some pro opportunities arise. The Giants have talked to other potential coaches who are saying the same thing.
News 1130 Sports: Nolan was in Vancouver with his family recently. He was touring the Giants training facility at owner’s Ron Toigo’s request. Nolan: “Ron Toigo called me 2 weeks ago, Giants are a classy organization.”
