As with trade rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs that are floated just to get the message out or set a market price, a report on Thursday emanating from Toronto on the salary and title demands of Mike Babcock appears to the first of many rumors involving the Detroit head coach.
Babcock's Red Wings were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the final game of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday and immediately the speculation began to percolate about whether the Stanley Cup and Olympic champion bench boss would stay in the Motor City or depart for greener pastures.
Sportsnet FAN 590's morning show host Dean Blundell reported via Twitter Thursday morning that a reliable source indicated that the Leafs would have to pay $40 Million over six years to get Babcock to sign on as head coach(more the $6 Million per season) and a say in player additions.
The Leafs are currently in the process of a search for general manager and Team President Brendan Shanahan said in his season-ending press conference two weeks ago that he was open to a variety of different managerial structures, but the input of Babcock into the construction of the Toronto roster may be an area of concern.
TSN's Darren Dreger reports the the Detroit head coach had significant influence on the Red Wings signing of center Stephen Weiss two summers ago. Weiss(signed for five years at just under $5 Million per season) has missed numerous games due to injury and was reportedly part of the aborted deal to acquire Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf at the trade deadline.
Short of dramatically outbidding all potential suitors, Babcock is more likely to either stay with Detroit or go to a team that is ready to contend right away or further along in a rebuild rather than to a club just entering one.
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Short Predictions for Round 2:
Rangers Vs Capitals : New York will miss forward Mats Zuccarello, who is out for the entire series with concussion issues, but have the depth and experience to overcome the absence. Washington has the depth on defense, a capable goaltender in Braden Holtby, a size advantage up front and the firepower to beat the Rangers, but New York wins the goalie battle and the best blueline in the NHL.
Prediction - Rangers in 7
Ducks vs Flames : Short of Flames haters who live in Edmonton, everyone has to be rooting for "Cinderella" Calgary, but Anaheim was impressive in a four-game sweep of the Winnipeg Jets. The addition of Ryan Kesler gives the Ducks two big experienced centers and their depth up front was apparent against the Jets with Jakob Silfverberg and Matt Beleskey contributing offensively.
Short of Jonas Hiller stoning his former team, all signs point to an Anaheim victory, but my heart is with the Flames.
Prediction: Ducks in 6
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