Report: Mike Babcock in contract talks with Sabres?
By @MichaelCaples –
Is ‘Babcock Watch’ on the verge of coming to an end?
The Associated Press (via this ESPN.com article) is reporting that Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is having contract negotiations with Buffalo Sabres today.
According to the AP report, Babcock began discussions with Buffalo GM Tim Murray – a former co-worker from their days with the Anaheim Ducks – earlier today. The Sabres have been considered a suitor for Babcock’s services since the Red Wings’ season came to a close and Babcock began his information-gathering process for where to go next in his coaching career.
Word from ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun is that he has yet to make up his mind, however.
Just spoke with Mike Babcock: “I hope to make a decision by morning, but I’m still very much undecided.''
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) May 19, 2015
According to the Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James, Babcock has said he’s not sure on his future, but a decision will come soon.
Asked Mike Babcock if he is leaving Detroit? Babcock: “Not sure, know by morning.” #RedWings
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) May 19, 2015
No word has come out of the Twitter accounts from TSN’s Bob McKenzie or Darren Dreger, who are traditionally the top two sources for breaking NHL news. Babcock’s timeline, as reported by many media outlets, was that he was going to meet with Red Wings GM Ken Holland today, and that there would be an announcement tomorrow. According to a report from WGR550’s Matthew Coller in Buffalo, the Sabres’ offer is…a lot of money.
A source close to the situation tells me the Sabres’ offer is “in the range of $50 million dollars”
— Matthew Coller (@MatthewWGR) May 19, 2015
MiHockey will be keeping an eye on ‘Babcock Watch’ throughout the night and tomorrow.