Mike Babcock Watch: Potential Destinations

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There were a couple of newsworthy items on the #Babwatch front in the past couple days. TSN reporters had an extensive sit-down interview with Mike Babcock and Red Wings GM Ken Holland together, and former coach and broadcasting legend Don Cherry went to Twitter to explain what Babcock should do.

Babcock is getting closer and closer to a decision, telling Darren Dreger that he will probably decide by the middle of next week. Wherever he is leaning to anybody’s guess at the moment, so I decided to take a look at all of the potential destinations for Babcock. I didn’t include the Edmonton Oilers, who despite being a likely candidate to pursue Babcock, is reportedly going to hire Todd McLellan.

So let’s take a look at each of the teams and how Babcock would fit in/change/improve the organization.

Next: San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks

Mar 29, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks goalie

Alex Stalock

(32) takes the ice before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Cherry mentioned in his recent Twitter rant that San Jose may be a good fit for Babcock. Not only are the Sharks a half-decent team, but Babcock will be given the opportunity to bring this team to the next level. They have always been stuck in the second or third round of the playoffs the past few years despite being built well enough to be Stanley Cup contenders. Last season was a huge disappointment, so they will definitely be thinking about offering Babcock something.

Although recent reports suggested that San Jose was asking permission to speak with Babcock, there are still a lot of reasons why Babcock won’t come to California. Yes, there is the great climate, but it is such a long distance from where he currently lives and it could be too much of a burden on his family. Although he did coach in California before with the Anahiem Ducks, one must remember that he actually declined an offer to stay with the team and went to Detroit.

Do the Sharks have a chance? I think they should be cautiously optimistic because there are too many obstacles to overcome. However, the Sharks’ brass has a lot of other experienced coaching options if they lose out on Babcock. Peter DeBoer, Dan Bylsma, Randy Carlyle, Paul MacLean, Ron Wilson, Craig Berube, Peter Horachek, and John Tortorella are looking for jobs.

Chance getting Babcock: 5 percent

Next: Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo Sabres

Apr 3, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing

Brian Gionta

(12) during the national anthem before the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Sabres are in the midst of a massive rebuild; the team just lost out on the Connor McDavid sweepstakes, and are going to have their fourth different coach since 2013; why would Mike Babcock come here?

The Sabres, however, are still trying their best to get him. According to reports, they have offered a lot of draft compensation to the Red Wings and have already spoken with Babcock. Could the Red Wings be intrigued enough by their offer to let him walk away? Although the Sabres have been bad the past couple seasons, this will be a huge opportunity for Babcock to prove he is a real coaching legend by leading this team into the playoffs. They also have a wealth of young talent coming up, and next year they will likely see Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, and Sam Reinhart join the team.

Despite the fact that Cherry is trying to persuade Babcock to not go to a rebuilding team do to his experience with the Colorado Rockies, the Sabres might be a dark horse in the Babcock Watch.

Chance of getting Babcock: 7 percent

Next: Philadelphia and Toronto

Philadelphia Flyers

Apr 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center

Brayden Schenn

(10) and center

Claude Giroux

(28) celebrate winning against the New York Islanders at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Islanders, 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

If Babcock uses Cherry’s advice, the Flyers should be another good option. Although they missed the playoffs, their roster is playoff-material and the team has no intentions of undergoing a lengthy rebuild. Will the likes of Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, and Steve Mason woo Babcock?

Although the Flyers seem like a good option (decent team, not too far away from Detroit, potential to bring team to next level), there has not been much speculation about Babcock ever meeting with the Flyers’ brass face-to-face.

Chance of getting Babcock: 2 percent

Next: Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs

Apr 11, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Casey Bailey (37) is congratulated by defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) after scoring his first career NHL goal in the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Like the Sabres, the Maple Leafs are undergoing a huge rebuild and will likely miss the playoffs next year. However, also like the Sabres, they are offering a lot to get Babcock. Along with draft compensation to the Red Wings, the Leafs should also be offering the most money because they are the highest-valued franchise in the league.

Could Babcock like the idea of going to the center of the hockey universe? One of the biggest challenges in all of hockey is coaching the Maple Leafs. Not only have they had inferior rosters since the 2004 lockout, but the extreme pressure the coaches have to go through from fans and the media takes a toll. Babcock may like the challenge.

Chance of getting Babcock: 2 percent

Next: Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings

Apr 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock reacts against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Babcock has coached the Red Wings for 10 seasons. Does he feel like he needs a change? That is just a personal decision. His family is probably settled there, but he has accomplished almost everything in Detroit. He won a Stanley Cup, made the playoffs every season, and won five division titles. Does he feel that he needs a challenge? Who knows.

If Babcock does leave, the Red Wings will likely bring up Grand Rapids coach Jeff Blashill, who has had great success at the AHL level. He is a future NHL coach, no question. Former assistant Paul Maclean and Randy Carlyle could also be on the radar.

What we do know is that Babcock has a good relationship with GM Ken Holland and has been offered a lot of money to stay. In my opinion, I do not see him leaving. The Red Wings are still good enough to have a chance at the Stanley Cup and they even have a solid pool of prospects coming up.

Chance of staying: 80 percent

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