Update on Senators owner Eugene Melnyk plus the latest on the Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Oilers.
OTTAWA SUN: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk could undergo an emergency liver transplant in a matter of days. Over 12 candidates have been selected to undergo the donor screening process.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Melnyk has a rare blood type, which explains in part why there was a public call for emergency donors. Over 2,000 people contacted the Senators organization, resulting in more than 500 people being a potential match for Melnyk.
Maple Leafs among only two teams formally interested in Red Wings coach Mike Babcock.
SPORTSNET: The Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres are reportedly the only two teams that formally filed for permission to speak with Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock. The Leafs have also contacted Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds coach Sheldon Keefe regarding a potential job within their organization or with their farm team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: On the one hand, the Leafs have a one-in-three chance of signing Babcock. On the other hand, the limited number of clubs which formally requested permission to speak with Babcock could increase the odds of him staying with the Red Wings.
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Jonathan Willis muses over Teddy Purcell’s future with the Edmonton Oilers.
LA PRESSE: The Montreal Canadiens have not renewed the contract of Hamilton Bulldogs assistant coach Stephan Lebeau.
I must admit I was very surprised by this development and while I don’t think it makes a lot of sense for Babcock to come to Toronto I’d be thrilled if it happened and it seems a real possibility now.
Ummmmm , no , no it doesn’t !
mongo, while I understand fully there is a leverage play at work here, considering Buffalo and Toronto are the only teams that submitted formal requests (which could lead to a compensatory pick) it is a real possibility now.
I’m not saying its the most likely scenario, but as its a three horse race, Toronto is in the considerations.
While at first I was open and excited about Babcock in Toronto I have since backed off somewhat. It seems as though it would be the sexy thing to do for the leafs to hire Babcock , but if what has been said about him wanting to have some GM powers and say in player movement and drafting I believe in the long run issues between him, Hunter, Dubas, and Shanahan will arise. Although Shanahan said it will be a team run as a group too many fingers in the pie will not work. If the leafs are to dip into the Red Wings org. Blashill is the guy they need as he will have no demands in regards to management.
Not quite sure why you would be “thrilled.” Do you really think the Leafs need that sort of media distraction – because that is exactly what it would become – at the start of a complete re-build? He’s obviously a good coach especially with a talented group of players to guide as his history shows = but he isn’t going to have that in TO for a few years.
Babcock has merely used both the Leafs and Sabres interests in him and now offers for his services as bargaining chips which I’m sure Detroit will match no problem.
He has stated his cities of choice to coach are Detroit, Buffalo or Toronto only so that narrows down the field.
He and Holland have spent a lot of time together at the World’s which suggests to me that he’s not leaving as the Wings are far closer to a championship than either the Leafs or the Sabres who are both at least 5 years away from competing for a Cup.
That said, maybe in 5 years time if Babcock becomes a free agent again, perhaps then he might choose somewhere else to coach but I think he and the family are staying put in Detroit.
I think I am in the minority of Leaf fans when I say I hope you are right….Id way rather have Jeff Blashill.
I think the Leafs a young rebuilding team are raiding the wrong cupboards in Detroit, and the Oilers got it right if they get McClellan.
Blashill would make a great choice should the Wings grant permission to not only chat with him, but let him move on as well. They may want compensation too.
I agree the Oilers got it right with the all but certain hiring of McClellan so better days lie ahead in Edmonton.
This comment is typical of fans. It like watching the show “Let’s Make A Deal” where the contestant has a sure thing in hand and trades it in for the mystery box. I’m sure Blashill will make a fine NHL coach one day but many were also certain that the cerebral coach like Dallas Ekins would be a great NHL coach especially with a young team like the Oilers.
Very true if you have a young team you want a veteran coach
A veteran coach does not necessarily want a young team either; and I think in Babcock’s case, I believe he’s staying put in Detroit.
McClellan would make a great coach no matter where he went and its fortunate for Edmonton they likely have him as he just won Gold.
I like Babcock, but I think Blashill would better fit the Shannaplan of collective management; to which even the great Ron Moore has no idea about what that plan might be either.
John Cooper says hello from the conference final Mr. Habs scout.
I’d suggest the “typical” Leaf fan comment would revolve around the thought that the next shiny object out there that has won a cup or had success with another team (in ths case Babcock) is the answer to what ails the Leafs and has for quite some time…lets review the past 6 or 7 years Burkie won a cup with the Ducks! Nonis built the Canucks to with in 1 game of the Cup, Carlyle the coach who won a cup with the Ducks….it doesnt always translate when it comes to the Big Smoke. I’d rather a good young coach that has taken his time developed young players has success year in year out with out the benifit of guys like Datsyuik Zetterbeg Franzen Holmstrom Filpula Hudler Lidstrom Alfredsson…guys that have been in the league for years, if this Leaf rebuild s to be done properly, I dont believe there should be any shortcuts taken, get a coach to develop young players and let it all grow together. Babcock imo is not just a shortcut but a shortcut to another rebuild if this doesnt turn around quicker than expected. Its the same story over and over again, Babcock is a great coach, proven winner, with men who have been in the league for years and have top notch tallent, how is he with guys learning the game at this level?
Joey I expect ultimately that you are correct.