Mike Babcock was probably already going to become the highest paid head coach in the NHL, but by how much?
It looks like it could be a lot if reports out of Buffalo are true.
According to John Vogl of The Buffalo News, the Sabres are prepared to offer Babcock a $5M per year salary which would very much make him the highest paid coach in the NHL. Currently, it’s believed the Red Wings have a $3.5M extension on the table for Babcock which is obviously far less than what Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula are willing to shell out.
And although money is important in any negotiation, something Babcock has earned it may be more important on another level for the head coach. Vogl writes that Babcock has been an advocate in the past of raising the salaries of head coaches around the NHL, something a $5M per year contract would certainly do.
Money is merely one factor in Babcock’s decision, but it’s an important one on several levels. In addition to providing for his family, Babcock has talked often of boosting the salaries of NHL coaches. The source inside that fraternity told The News that Babcock doesn’t understand why hockey coaches are paid so much less than their professional sports counterparts, and the Sabres’ offer will significantly raise the bar for hockey’s bench bosses.
Babcock is reportedly done talking with teams and will sit down with his family tonight to discuss the options. The Red Wings head coach is expected to announce his decision tomorrow.