Former Detroit Red Wings bench boss Mike Babcock was hailed as part of the solution for the Toronto Maple Leafs upon his hire in 2015.
But three first-round playoff exits and a severely underachieving season later, that may be the last straw for team management (lead by president and former Red Wing Brendan Shanahan).
According to Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman and fellow Sportsnet NHL insider Chris Johnston, the writing may be on the wall for Babcock in Toronto.
“I mean look if they do not make a miraculous comeback in the third period, they are supposed to fly to Vegas tonight, all bets are off anything could happen here I think,” said Friedman during the Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada.
Friedman was speaking during the intermission of the Leafs matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, which Pittsburgh was winning handily.
“They are really worried about the process I think more than just the losses,” said Johnston. “When you see how many times they have gone down early in games this season and the way things have gone, I mean everything has to be considered. There is a lot riding on this season for the entire Leafs organization.”
“The one thing I would say is that up until recently I think they really didn’t want to do it,” said Friedman. “I think they wanted to send a message that they were backing the coach and the group especially since a bunch of guys were hurt and out, but now I think this season could slide and I think all options could be on the table.”
