Report: Red Wings' Mike Babcock in contract talks with Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is in contract talks with Buffalo to potentially become the Sabres' next head coach, according to the Associated Press.
The negotiations are reportedly taking place on the same day that Babcock said he would discuss his future in Detroit with Red Wings' general manager Ken Holland.
Babcock visited Buffalo on May 10 and met in person with owner Terry Pegula and general manager Tim Murray.
On Monday, a report surfaced that Babcock would not meet with any additional NHL teams interested in his services and would make a decision about his coaching future by Wednesday.
"Just going to re-visit everything one more time him," Babcock said, referring to Holland.
"We'll talk one more time [Tuesday] and then I'll sit down with my family one more time [Tuesday] night and make a decision."
The Sabres, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks, were one of four teams that had asked to speak with Babcock.
Babcock on Monday said he had kept Holland informed of his conversations with other organizations.
The Philadelphia Flyers, the only other NHL franchise with a coaching vacancy, have not asked to speak with Babcock.
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Babcock’s contract with the Red Wings expires next month and the team has offered him a four-year deal worth $3.25 million per season.
Babcock has a 458-223 record during his tenure with the Red Wings and has taken the team to the postseason in each his 10 seasons with the franchise. He has led the Wings to two Stanley Cup finals appearances, winning the Cup in 2007-08.
Holland says any team that wants to hire Babcock is expected to give up some compensation in return.
"I think at the end of the day, a third-round draft pick for a head coach is pretty reasonable," Holland said.
- Will Green