The most coveted impact player in this summer's NHL free-agent marketplace will be someone who won't log a minute of ice time next season.
Within minutes of the Detroit Red Wings being knocked out of the playoffs, Twitter was abuzz with chatter about where Mike Babcock will be coaching next season. His contract expires in June, and the demand for his services will be as strong as if he were a 50-goal scorer.
The bidding for Babcock, a two-time Olympic gold winner for Canada and a former Stanley Cup champion, was anticipated. What no one could have predicted is that there might be as many as eight teams looking for coaches when Babcock decides whether to re-sign in Detroit or explore his options.
The San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers are already looking for new coaches, while the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, St. Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers haven't made any final decisions.
Babcock, 52, has a good situation in Detroit, where his team is competitive, and he has quality prospects Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha on the horizon. Owners Mike and Marian Ilitch have a long history of paying their talent well. They undoubtedly would push him up to $3 million or better, making him the highest-paid NHL coach. Certainly Babcock is aware that he has an opportunity to raise the bar for NHL coaches. What he signs for will have an impact on future coach salaries and likely will have a trickle-down effect on coaches who get extensions.
If Babcock wanted the biggest payday, the Maple Leafs would be highly attractive. But the Maple Leafs' rebuilding efforts are just under way, and it could be a few seasons before this team contends.
The most intriguing option might be the Edmonton Oilers because they are going to draft Connor McDavid, who could have a Sidney Crosby-like impact on the league. Plus, they have a cadre of young skillful forwards in Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov and Jordan Eberle.
Babcock is a proud Canadian, originally from Saskatchewan, and he could be excited about coaching a team in western Canada. The Oilers' franchise is now under the command of Bob Nicholson, the former Hockey Canada boss. He was witness to Babcock's impact on the Olympic team. The Buffalo Sabres could also be attractive. Although Buffalo is perceived as a small-market team, the Sabres are owned by Terry Pegula, a multibillionaire who also bought the NFL's Buffalo Bills. In addition, Babcock knows Buffalo GM Tim Murray from their days together in Anaheim.
The Sabres will be drafting Jack Eichel, and they have an enviable collection of young talent as well, which includes center Sam Reinhart.
No one is ruling out Babcock staying in Detroit. What he said Wednesday night that he will talk with the media about his status when the Red Wings gather for the final time this season to clean out their lockers and take the team photo.
The wait to see what Babcock will do is having an impact on the marketplace where there are several quality candidates:
Todd McLellan: A former Babcock assistant in Detroit and head coach in San Jose, McLellan is probably the hottest candidate after Babcock. He will land one of these jobs, and he likely will have multiple offers. He's a bright, well-prepared, insightful coach. He's expected to be a candidate in Toronto, Buffalo and Edmonton. The Sabres should also be interested in Luke Richardson, whom Murray knows from their days together in Ottawa. He coaches now in the American Hockey League.
Ken Hitchcock: He's in the last season of his contract in St. Louis, and the Blues might be looking to make a change because this contending team has been knocked out of the playoffs in the first round for three consecutive seasons. Hitchcock is 62, but he has a history of improving teams quickly and making them difficult to play against. But his style does seem to wear on players. If he wants to continue coaching, he probably will land somewhere.
Dan Bylsma: After sitting out the season, Bylsma has to be eager to get back in the game. Let's not forget that he has a championship ring, and he won that in his first NHL coaching system. He's presumably a better coach now than he was when he won the Cup. His last job was with the highly skilled, Sidney Crosby-led Penguins. If the Islanders make a change, would he be a good fit to work with John Tavares and company?
Jeff Blashill: He's the hot AHL coach. To understand his potential, just look at what Jon Cooper has done with the Lightning. Similar modern approach and personalities. The Red Wings signed him to a three-year contract last season, and it's assumed he will replace Babcock at some point. But if Babcock stays, he might be a good fit in San Jose or with the Islanders.
Claude Julien: He still has a job in Boston, but they are looking for a new GM. If there is any doubt about keeping him, the Bruins should make the respectful decision to let him look elsewhere. He could reunite with Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton. He would seem like a good fit for Philadelphia. The Flyers also presumably would be interested in Arizona Coyotes coach Dave Tippett if he becomes available. Media outlets said he has an out clause in his contract that he could exercise.
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