Mike Babcock would be the new head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but his contract situation would delay the official announcement.
Saturday morning, Darren Dreger (TSN) mentioned this:
Free translation: the Ohio organization is only waiting for the end of the agreement binding Babcock to the Maple Leafs before moving forward.
This eight-year, $50 million contract expires at the end of this month of June.
In 1301 appearances behind the bench of an NHL team, Babcock has 700 victories. He notably won the Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Red Wings.
If his hiring materializes, there would be only three clubs left without a coach across the Bettman circuit: the Ducks, the Flames and the Rangers.