If money wasnt an object, why did he almost sign in Buffalo for $50M and then take that to Toronto to get his $50M?

It was mostly about the money. Otherwise he wouldve stayed in Detroit for less.
- theblueandgold

Money was going to come from whoever would pay. I think it was the intangible aspects like roster control. I would rather have my GM make those decisions. I don't want my head coach having final say on that.

If money wasnt an object, why did he almost sign in Buffalo for $50M and then take that to Toronto to get his $50M?

It was mostly about the money. Otherwise he wouldve stayed in Detroit for less.
- theblueandgold

Had nothing to do with money it had to do with control, you want to believe me fine if not, that's fine also. McKenzie just said it on NHL Live as well. He also mentioned Richardson as I did from day 1.

If the money is the same between Buffalo and Toronto, its not about the money.
- BigStew

I already explained why he chose Toronto (who could be in a worse situation team wise than Buffalo next year and heading into the future) over Buffalo. He'd rather move back to his home country and live in a city like Toronto. Thats where he wanted to be from the get go. Toronto wasnt going to hand out $50M right away. He needed to secure that from Buffalo first before taking it to Toronto. Toronto was prepared to hire Guy Boucher....

If this was never about the money, why is he leaving Detroit, of all teams for Buffalo or Toronto? Location? No. Team Control? No. Scream me your best Jerry McGuire impersonation.

I already explained why he chose Toronto (who could be in a worse situation team wise than Buffalo next year and heading into the future) over Buffalo. He'd rather move back to his home country and live in a city like Toronto. Thats where he wanted to be from the get go. Toronto wasnt going to hand out $50M right away. He needed to secure that from Buffalo first before taking it to Toronto. Toronto was prepared to hire Guy Boucher....

If this was never about the money, why is he leaving Detroit, of all teams for Buffalo or Toronto? Location? No. Team Control? No. Scream me your best Jerry McGuire impersonation.
- theblueandgold

Regardless what you say, it was about control for the 20th time. 6.25 mill for him and McKenzie said the same damn thing, both teams offered that money , the Sabres and Leafs.

Had nothing to do with money it had to do with control, you want to believe me fine if not, that's fine also. McKenzie just said it on NHL Live as well. He also mentioned Richardson as I did from day 1.
- SABRES 89

MacKenzie says it, it must be true....

I already explained why he chose Toronto (who could be in a worse situation team wise than Buffalo next year and heading into the future) over Buffalo. He'd rather move back to his home country and live in a city like Toronto. Thats where he wanted to be from the get go. Toronto wasnt going to hand out $50M right away. He needed to secure that from Buffalo first before taking it to Toronto. Toronto was prepared to hire Guy Boucher....

If this was never about the money, why is he leaving Detroit, of all teams for Buffalo or Toronto? Location? No. Team Control? No. Scream me your best Jerry McGuire impersonation.
- theblueandgold

That fine, I am just pointing out that when the money is the same, its not about money, it may be about what you just said above. I don't really know, and no one does but Babcock. And my guess, Toronto was going to pay any number Babcock wanted and he really didn't need anyone for that but that is just my opinion.

I already explained why he chose Toronto (who could be in a worse situation team wise than Buffalo next year and heading into the future) over Buffalo. He'd rather move back to his home country and live in a city like Toronto. Thats where he wanted to be from the get go. Toronto wasnt going to hand out $50M right away. He needed to secure that from Buffalo first before taking it to Toronto. Toronto was prepared to hire Guy Boucher....

If this was never about the money, why is he leaving Detroit, of all teams for Buffalo or Toronto? Location? No. Team Control? No. Scream me your best Jerry McGuire impersonation.
- theblueandgold

Show me the Bylsma.

MacKenzie says it, it must be true....
- theblueandgold

you know something, you're right and i'm wrong, I'm done going back and fourth with you.

MacKenzie says it, it must be true....
- theblueandgold

no the source I know say's it and he must be right because Babcock isn't here.

MacKenzie says it, it must be true....
- theblueandgold

MacKenzie has his opinions, but when he states things as facts....he's right.

Babcock was never coming here to begin with. He got the money offer he wanted from Buffalo, then called the one place he wanted to be at all along, the center of the hockey universe -- Toronto Canada. They conveniently dont have a GM, and they conveniently would be able to match the high offer he would get from desperate Buffalo owner and team.

Babcock was after money, and living in his home country. Thats all there was to it. I wouldnt have minded Babcock being our head coach, but he wasnt my first choiceand Im not upset at all over this.
- theblueandgold

Who's your top choice? Klopp ?

Who's your top choice? Klopp ?
- Sabresfan-365

Nah, my top choice is a Barca treble

Nah, my top choice is a Barca treble
- theblueandgold

Teed that one up for you..



No but seriously who's your choice?

Teed that one up for you..



No but seriously who's your choice?
- Sabresfan-365

Jeff Blashill, who ironically is under the Babcock tree. Young guy like Cooper was (who I wanted when I was screaming for Ruff's firing 2 years too late), who has had big success every where hes been. He has developed players, hes a players coach, and he has a hockey mind.

Couldn't agree more. Why is the Bylsma narrative so negative?????
- trikkdaniels

Because he isn't a great coach IMO. He's on the same level as Lindy.

Jeff Blashill, who ironically is under the Babcock tree. Young guy like Cooper was (who I wanted when I was screaming for Ruff's firing 2 years too late), who has had big success every where hes been. He has developed players, hes a players coach, and he has a hockey mind.
- theblueandgold

Is it realistic anymore though? Have to figure he's got the wings job now.

Because he isn't a great coach IMO. He's on the same level as Lindy.
- sbroads24

I don't think the team needs a high profile coach just yet. Babcock was the exception but the team still has a lot of growing to do.

Ted nolan seems like a good option he really got screwed last time in buffalo... Wait nm

I don't think the team needs a high profile coach just yet. Babcock was the exception but the team still has a lot of growing to do.
- Sabresfan-365

I think if BabRichard isn't an option, a younger coach should be.

Because he isn't a great coach IMO. He's on the same level as Lindy.
- sbroads24

Ya lindy didn't deserve his Stanley cup win either

you know something, you're right and i'm wrong, I'm done going back and fourth with you.
- SABRES 89

Step away from that ledge. No one is saying youre wrong. We're just sharing our opinions here. I disagree with you and im not acting like a total female dog about it.

"Control" is not something coaches worry about. And especially a good coach like Babcock. He will always be able to have a say in player personnel decisions. Any GM would ask Babcock for his input on which players to call up, what kind of players he wants to play for him, etc... Hell, he even had that in Detroit as evidenced by the HBO 24/7 episodes.

He didnt go to Toronto for control.

I think if BabRichard isn't an option, a younger coach should be.
- sbroads24

I agree, someone who excels in player development.

Jeff Blashill, who ironically is under the Babcock tree. Young guy like Cooper was (who I wanted when I was screaming for Ruff's firing 2 years too late), who has had big success every where hes been. He has developed players, hes a players coach, and he has a hockey mind.
- theblueandgold

Nah. I'll take an actual NHL coach instead please and thank you.

Is it realistic anymore though? Have to figure he's got the wings job now.
- Sabresfan-365

Probably not. Im sure he'll get promoted.

My list was

1) McLellan (oops, Edmonton scooped him while we pursued BabCOCK)
2) Blashill (oops, Detroit lost Babcock no way they lose him too)
3) Babcock (oops, Toronto scoops him in the 11th hour)
4)... doesnt matter

Had nothing to do with money it had to do with control, you want to believe me fine if not, that's fine also. McKenzie just said it on NHL Live as well. He also mentioned Richardson as I did from day 1.
- SABRES 89

Other than his ties to Murray, Richardson doesn't make a lot of sense to Buffalo. How would they explain away going from courting Babcock to an AHL coach? And an AHL coach with limited success - no playoff series wins and he missed the playoffs this year. You could argue that his
moderate success if roster related but I still think they target an NHL experienced coach. Which one, I have no clue? Maybe Boucher as a dark horse??