Mike Babcock would be the man for the Blue Jackets

BETTING À DAY

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: 

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Speculation around the Memorial Cup is Mike Babcock will return to the NHL as @BlueJacketsNHL new coach and the delay in announcing coincides with his existing contract with the Maple Leafs expiring the end of this month. https://t.co/OUlxBRS8bq

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 3, 2023

Free translation: Ohio organization just waiting for Babcock-Maple Leafs deal to end before moving on before. 

This eight-year, $50 million contract expires at the end of this month of June. 

In 1,301 appearances behind the bench of a NHL team, Babcock has 700 wins. He notably won the Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Red Wings.

If his hiring materializes, there would remain only three clubs without a coach through the Bettman circuit: the Ducks, the Flames and the Rangers.