Shawn Stepner: League sources saying the Sabres thought they had a deal in principle with Mike Babcock two days ago. Was around the same term and money as the Leafs, might have even been nine years.
Tim Graham: The Sabres are livid for the way Babcock handled the past few days. They were so confident that he was coming that they were prepared for a Monday news conference.
Greg Brady: The Sabres felt they “had a deal” with Babcock when they ended talks Tuesday afternoon. The Sabres didn’t take anything back, and Babcock didn’t demand more.
Chris Johnston: The Leafs will owe the Wings a third round pick in either 2015, 2016 or 2017.
Bob McKenzie: Babcock will fly to Toronto this morning. His eight-year, $50 million contract has no out clause and his title is their Head Coach.
Bob McKenzie: Babcock gets a substantial upfront signing bonus. Annual salary is same each year, between $5 and $6 million.
Rick Westhead: At $6.2 million, Babcock will have a bigger tax bill than the pre-tax income of any other NHL coach.
Bob McKenzie: Guy Boucher met with the Maple Leafs Tuesday night and yesterday. Decision to go with Babcock leaves him in limbo. Boucher may be a potential assistant coach for the Leafs. Would depend if Babcock wants him and/or if he wants to be an assistant. The Leafs aren’t the only team that was interested in Boucher. Last summer, the Wings and Babcock talked to Boucher about an assistant coaching position. Boucher didn’t have an out clause last summer. This summer he reportedly does.
Renaud Lavoie: Hearing it’s possible that Sean Burke ends up in Toronto, working in the management group.
Bob McKenzie: Babcock hiring doesn’t really change their GM search. They are considering both internal and external candidates. External candidates: George McPhee, Mike Futa, Jeff Gorton and Julien BriseBois. Internal candidates: Mark Hunter and Kyle Dubas.
