Mike Babcock: Not An Option For Buffalo Sabres

Has head coach Mike Babcock ruled the Buffalo Sabres off the list along with the Detroit Red Wings as the bench which he will stand behind next season?

Reports are that Babcock has informed the Detroit Red Wings that he will no longer be affiliated with their franchise. Detroit was set to make Babcock the highest paid coach in the National Hockey League, but apparently Babcock was looking for more money and more promise of winning.

The Detroit Red Wings have struggled to make the playoffs the last few seasons, despite keeping their post season record alive.

Why have the Buffalo Sabres been reportedly scratched off the list?  Have the Toronto Maple Leafs been able to do something that the Pegula’s are not willing to do, and that is stretch the pockets to ensure that Babcock has more than enough money to retire on?

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I don’t think it is a money issue, I think Terry Pegula and wife Kim would do everything in their power to get the biggest name in coaching on their side of the bench – instead of their division rival in the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Is Tim Murray The Reason Behind The Buffalo Sabres Not Getting Mike Babcock?

There is a previous relationship between Mike Babcock and Tim Murray – so neither one should be surprised by the other’s behavior.  Did Mike Babcock not get promised the control that he wanted when it came to decisions on the roster and the organization?

Listening to Paul Hamilton on WGR550 – it didn’t sound like Babcock was looking for control over his GM in what player personnel decisions were going to be made, but only that he wanted to be in on the process, and not have to find out about personnel moves, i.e. call-ups and trades from the local media.

If Tim Murray is the reason behind Babcock not coming – how does that sour his relationship with the owners, Terry and Kim Pegula?

It appears that the Buffalo Sabres are likely not going to see a big name head coach behind the bench, if the reports are true.  Are you surprised that big names continue to choose other locations over the Buffalo Sabres?

If Mike Babcock is not coming to the Buffalo Sabres, who do you want the Buffalo Sabres to key in on as the next coach in Buffalo Sabres history?

What’s the deal Mike?  Is it the money?  Is it the players? Is it the control? Is it the winning?

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