Buffalo Sabres Targeting Mike Babcock: Proceed With Caution
The Buffalo Sabres and Mike Babcock had a nice little face to face yesterday. Now let’s all slow down and remember a simple meeting does not mean Babcock will wear blue and gold next season. But, with Mr. Pegula’s willingness to spend money and a roster and farm system that will have young talent anything is possible. I’ve always been on the side of caution and being a lifelong Sabres fan I have learned not to get too excited; shortly after leaving Buffalo Babcock headed down the QEW and sat down with the Toronto Maple Leafs. I wouldn’t expect a decision from Mike Babcok for a few weeks if not a month.
From my chair chasing Babcock is a two-fold effort. One, it shows that the Pegula’s and their staff are not going to sit back and just settle for second best.
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Yes the Sabres may end up with second best, but this is a refreshing change in Sabreland. It would be nice if sports were not money driven and coaches and players wanted to go to the best fit, and maybe Mike Babcock is looking for the best fit and not the biggest bank account. If the race for Babcock is going to come down to Toronto vs. Buffalo the Sabres could finally be on the inside track.
Babcock left Buffalo on Sunday after spending an afternoon meeting with Sabres owner Terry Pegula regarding the team’s coaching vacancy, the Associated Press reported. Babcock declined to comment when approached by the AP at Buffalo International Airport on Sunday night. Pegula said “Hello,” before making a remark on how much rain fell. The two then walked away and boarded a private jet.Babcock flew into Buffalo earlier in the day and spent the afternoon meeting with Pegula and general manager Tim Murray at the Sabres arena. Babcock is still under contract with the Red Wings through June 30. The Red Wings are open to re-signing Babcock, but have granted him permission to interview with other teams. [The Detroit News]
The second component to this interview and attempt to land the biggest soon to be free agent coach is one for the conspiracy theory nuts out there. While highly unlikely the Buffalo Bills coaching hire could be putting some pressure on the Sabres to land a flashy big name head coach. Bringing in a “new” name to a two team one owner city could paint an ugly picture with in Sabres fans minds.
Mike Babcock’s Coaching Record via hockey-reference
- Regular Season Career Numbers: 950-527-285-19-119 (.627 Winning Percentage
- Playoff Career Numbers: 144-82-62 (.569 Winning Percentage)
I’ve spoken to a few fans on a Sabres message board and this conspiracy idea is not one that has gone without notice. I will say that in some ways the Sabres need to keep pace with the Bills if for no other reason than PR. Landing Mike Babcock is like landing Rex Ryan and the Sabres deserve to be first class.
In the big picture no one will care who the coach is if the Sabres become champions, but bringing in the wrong coach with a roster and farm system full of kids could set the Sabres back another five years. I’m all for backing up a Brinks truck to land Babcock, but let’s make sure he is the right coach for the job. A record alone does not equal the best coach in my mind.
If the Buffalo Sabres and Mike Babcock end up together what are fair expectations?
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