The Toronto Maple Leafs sent a team plane to Detroit to pick up a new coach.
They pulled Mike Babcock away from the Red Wings with an eight-year, $50 million contract.
The contract’s terms have not been public, but Sportsnet and TSN have reported its length and approximate worth.
Babcock is anticipated to be presented during a news conference on Thursday.
Jeff Veillette first reported on Twitter that a private plane registered to Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the
team’s ownership group, was set to fly to Detroit on Tuesday and “depart within three minutes of arrival.”
It’s unknown how long the jet stayed in Detroit, but it was long enough to shower cash on one of the NHL’s best
coaches.
Babcock spent a decade with the Red Wings, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008 and losing in the finals the following
season. They made the playoffs every year throughout his tenure. In 12 seasons with the Ducks and Red Wings, he
has a 527-285-119 record with 19 ties.
The Maple Leafs had the NHL’s fourth-worst record, necessitating a housecleaning. They sacked GM Dave Nonis,
interim coach Peter Horachek, and a few assistants.
The Maple Leafs will have to give up a third-round pick in the next three years as compensation for acquiring
Babcock, who was under contract with the Red Wings until June, but nobody can accuse them – or MLSE – of being
frugal. MLSE is immensely profitable, despite the Maple Leafs’ 30-44-8 record this season, the Raptors’ up-and-
down history, and Toronto FC’s lack of MLS playoff appearances.
