Mike Babcock Needs To Leave Detroit Behind
Mike Babcock has nothing left to prove yet he may have everything to gain. Babcock has been behind the Red Wings bench dating back to the 2005-2006 season and has put up a winning percentage of .654. In most cases a coach would never leave a team when they are winning and they have the ability to write their own deal. But, I believe its outside pressure that will force Mike Babcock out of Detroit and into the biggest bidding franchises locker room.
It won’t be Babcock how is searching for the pay day I believe it is other coaches applying pressure in an attempt to get a bump in their pay. Compared to players coaches are not paid all that well in the NHL and yet they carry most of the burden. Coaches are the first to go and often the last to get praised.
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This off season there will be a bunch of teams looking to fill coaching openings. Some include the Sabres, Maple Leafs, San Jose and maybe the Oilers. Let’s not forget there are always a few unexpected openings once the final whistle blows. The simple fact is because Mike Babcock chose not to sign a contract with Detroit some coaches that would otherwise be safe will be let go.
One question that will start to come up is how much money it will take to get Babcock out of Detroit. I’m guessing somewhere between $5.5-$6 million a year gets it done. There are not a lot of teams with pockets deep enough to write that check, but when your name is Babcock and you record is what it is you have job security even when your next job is unknown.
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Figuring out what’s next can’t be easy. But, knowing the style of team you are willing to coach can’t be that hard. If Babcock is looking for a challenge Buffalo could have the edge. They have money and young talent in the pipeline. Not to mention the strong possible of a top two draft pick coming to camp. If it’s about the tradition of the franchise; that could be the Leafs, and if it’s pure ego… Well it becomes anyone’s game.
Clearly I don’t have a crystal ball, but I feel that the Red Wings and Mike Babcock will no longer be joined at the hip when the first puck drops next fall. He just doesn’t have anything left to do in red and white. The thought that other coaches may be pressuring him may seem farfetched, but players and the NHLPA have been known to do the same thing. It’s time for Babcock to take on new challenges and test new waters.