BUFFALO – The Sabres are out of the running for coach Mike Babcock, TSN’s Bob McKenzie tweeted early this afternoon.
Update: The Toronto Maple Leafs, a team thought to be out of the sweepstakes just a day ago, have signed Babcock to a stunning eight-year deal worth around $50 million, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friendman and ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun also tweeted the hiring.
Update: The Leafs have officially announced the signing.
Here’s more:
Sources say Mike Babcock has been hired by the Maple Leafs. Mammoth 8 yr contract believed to be around $50 million.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015
Babcock's salary in first three years of his eight-year deal is believed to be as much as $8M per year.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 20, 2015
Sources in BUF say they are OUT on Mike Babcock. Not going to BUF.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 20, 2015
Source say Mike Babcock has decided to leave the Detroit Red Wings. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) May 20, 2015
Source says Babcock told Blues 2 days ago he was out. Things change? If not, the Leafs may have won the sweepstakes
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015