4 candidates to be the Seattle NHL team’s first head coach
3. Mike Babcock
Speculation about his job security came to full bloom in November, as Babcock was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Aside from a reputation that isn’t perfect, a resume like Babcock’s means he’ll automatically be a candidate for multiple jobs after the season.
Toronto made him the highest-paid coach in the NHL, so Babcock could just collect what he’s owed with three more full seasons and $18.75 million left on his contract. Add in the prorated portion of what he was owed for this year (just under $4.5 million at the time of his firing, via Rudi Schuller of Sporting News), and from a financial perspective Babcock doesn’t have to take another coaching job right away just to take one.
Mike Babcock has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Toronto Maple #Leafs
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) November 20, 2019
At the time of firing there were still 3 years remaining on his 8 year, $50M contract
His total time with the #Leafs clocked in at 4 years and 6 monthshttps://t.co/rGdABmKVsQ pic.twitter.com/Ze52vo3x9Q
From Seattle’s side, Babcock would bring instant competitive credibility and a recognizable face behind the bench to drive initial interest in the team. From his side, he can get in on the ground floor of an expansion team and spend next season (with an eye on the expansion draft) helping vet the league for players who may fit what he’s looking for in his system.
Francis seems ready to get ahead of a coaching search rush. He’s had some time to put feelers out to Babcock and/or his agent, so time should tell if there’s a serious level of candidacy here.