TSN's Insider Trading took some time to discuss what's next for Mike Babcock now that he is no longer employed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The coach, considered by many to be one of the best of the modern era, remains the highest paid coach in the league as he continues to collect his salary for the next three-and-a-half years from Toronto, even though he's no longer coaching for the team.
Babcock is owed $5.875 million per year for the next three years after this one. More than $20 million in total with this season and the next three seasons combined. As for whether he will coach again, TSN's Pierre LeBrun explained there is a rule in place that teams would have to seek permission from the Leafs in order to talk to him. Should he take a job elsewhere for less than what he is currently getting from the Leafs, Toronto would be on the hook to pay the rest to get him to $5.875 million per year. According to LeBrun, it is completely within Toronto's rights to tell any team that his entire salary must be picked up if they intend to hire him, or they don't get to talk to him. As for Babcock's next move, LeBrun says he spoke with the 56-year-old, and he intends to take his time before making any decision.
"Mike Babcock right now wants to decompress," said LeBrun. "He going to do a lot of skiing this winter, that's his focus. Certainly I think he's going to take his time. It's not a guarantee he'll coach again. I think he will. He's going to miss it too much."
As for where he might go once he's ready to get back behind the bench, LeBrun says the yet to be named Seattle franchise, which will start playing in 2021-22, seems like an obvious fit.
"And the team that jumps to mind for me, there's no question, and that's Seattle," LeBrun said. "If Mike Babcock is still available, and interested, I think they are going to want to talk to him."
LeBrun added Seattle will be looking to hire a coach between January and June of 2021. This would certainly give Babcock enough time to have a much needed break, if that's truly what he wants. However, given his previous record behind the bench, it's very possible another team will be knocking on his door before then.
The big question mark surrounding Babcock's ability to be successful again seems tied to how much grit any potential new team would have. Babcock's system requires it in order to get wins. He tried to stick to that style in Toronto, a team completely built on offense, and it failed. However, that doesn't mean it couldn't work elsewhere with the right roster and mindset from players.
Source: TSN Insider Trading
