Mike Babcock leaving Red Wings, joining Maple Leafs

May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 MiHockey Staff

By @MichaelCaples –

A decision has been made, according to reports.

Per TSN reporter Darren Dreger, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock will be leaving Detroit to take over head coaching duties for the Toronto Maple Leafs. TSN reporter Bob McKenzie first said the Buffalo Sabres were out, and fellow TSN reporter and former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward reported shortly after that Detroit was out.

Babcock completed his 10th season with the Red Wings this year. He was the longest tenured head coach for the Detroit Original Six franchise since Sid Abel coached the squad from 1957-1968.

UPDATE: The Red Wings have confirmed that Babcock is not returning to their organization.

UPDATE: Mike Babcock informs Red Wings he will not return as head coach. #RedWings pic.twitter.com/vTnykf672o

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) May 20, 2015

He will now join former Red Wings great Brendan Shanahan in the attempted rebuild of the Maple Leafs. Shanahan is the president of the Leafs, and he is in the process of replacing both the team’s head coach and GM.

Sources say Mike Babcock has been hired by the Maple Leafs. Mammoth 8 yr contract believed to be around $50 million.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015

Toronto has made only one appearance in the NHL playoffs (2012-13 season) since 2005. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun has confirmed Dreger’s report, as well.

Mike Babcock will be the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, source confirms

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) May 20, 2015

Now the search officially begins for Babcock’s replacement in Detroit, though many believe the team has long had their solution in place – and already within the organization. Jeff Blashill, a Sault Ste. Marie native and former Ferris State goaltender, has impressed during his time as head coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get the call-up to Detroit.

Former Red Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan also appeared to be a viable candidate for a Detroit job opening, but he has recently filled the Edmonton Oilers’ head-coaching vacancy.