Rumors IV: Babcock Leaving Detroit for Toronto
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2:10 PM:

  • Elliotte Friedman: “To reset: Babcock to TOR. Eight-year deal, but there may be an “out” after five. Full value is approx $50M, but front loaded because of the out, could be as high as $8M. Will have power in personnel decisions, along with Brendan Shanahan. Announcement soon.
  • Elliotte Friedman: “May also have discussed Shanahan taking GM role, or Babcock/Shanahan having final say over personnel decisions.”
  • Elliotte Friedman: “To make this day even crazier, Guy Boucher is meeting with TOR. Assistant coach?”
  • Nick Kypreos: Mark Hunter’s name could resurface as a possible GM for the Maple Leafs. A bigger named GM might not work until the new structure is set.

2:00 PM:

  • Darren Dreger: Sources saying the Maple Leafs have hired Mike Babcock to an eight year deal worth around $50 million.

1:30 PM:

  • Pierre LeBrun: The Sharks are out on Babcock. Sharks are focusing on a long list of other candidates.
  • Arpon Basu: “So instead of that third round pick how about we just give you Phaneuf and call it even?” Dan Rosen: “There is merit to this. Let’s explore, discuss. I’m actually blown away by its potential. “
  • Ian Mendes: “This is going to end with Babcock being named coach and GM of the Leafs, isn’t it?”
  • Dennis Bernstein: “Leafs GM role a tad bit more attractive if Babcock bench boss, eh?”

1:20 PM:

  • Pierre LeBrun: Leafs source saying they are hopeful on Babcock. Won’t say anything more.
  • Reneud Lavoie: Eyes turned on Sharks, but Leafs still a possibility.
  • Bob McKenzie: Source saying the Sabres are out on Mike Babcock.
  • Aaron Ward: Source saying that Babcock has decided to leave the Red Wings.
  • Aaron Ward: Still think the Maple Leafs are a contender for Babcock.

mlse-jet

  • Elliotte Friedman: Landing and taking off from different airports, but the flight plan was recently filed.
  • Darren Dreger: Source saying Blues were told two days ago that Babcock was out. Did things change or did the Leafs win the sweepstakes.