Twitter Timeline of How Mike Babcock Landed with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Twitter Timeline of How Mike Babcock Landed with the Toronto Maple Leafs
The roller coaster ride known as the “Mike Babcock sweepstakes” came to a surprising end this afternoon, as the Toronto Maple Leafs signed the former Red Wings head coach to a mammoth 8-year, $50 million contract.
Of course, as we’re all used to by now, Twitter provided us with play-by-play of today’s shocking development. For those of you who missed how it all went down, here’s a look at a Twitter timeline of how the story developed this afternoon:
Let’s start with the initial news that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres were in a bidding war for Babcock, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Toronto and Buffalo in bidding war for Babcock. No decision yet. Hearing Red Wings final offer was 5 years at $4 million per.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015
Then, according to TSN‘s Bob McKenzie, the Sabres were officially out on signing Babcock, while Aaron Ward reported that he will not be returning to Detroit.
Sources in BUF say they are OUT on Mike Babcock. Not going to BUF.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 20, 2015
According to @TSNAaronWard, DET is out on Babcock. BUF is out. That leaves TOR, STL and SJ.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 20, 2015
From there, speculation of Babcock to Toronto started to grow.
Still think Leafs are a contender for Babcock. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) May 20, 2015
Getting more of a sense that the Toronto Maple Leafs MAY end up being the final Mike Babcock destination. #TSN
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) May 20, 2015
Leafs source says they're hopeful on Babcock. Won't say more at this point.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 20, 2015
And once the St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks were said to be “out” on Babcock, the writing was on the wall.
It's not San Jose, Sharks for sure are OUT on Babcock. Sharks focused on long list of other candidates right now
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 20, 2015
Source says Babcock told Blues 2 days ago he was out. Things change? If not, the Leafs may have won the sweepstakes
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015
Source says St. Louis Blues are NOT in on Babcock, in fact never formally asked permission to talk to him
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 20, 2015
However, if there was still some lingering doubt for Leafs’ fans, a report from Jeff Veillette of LeafsNation.com eased it when he found this nice tidbit of information.
MLSE's private jet is scheduled to head to Detroit later today and depart within three minutes of arrival. http://t.co/zesztd4Fts
— "Jeff" Veillette (@JeffVeillette) May 20, 2015
Which was then confirmed by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Of course, Twitter absolutely exploded as Mike Babcock trended all across Canada. Then came the confirmation every fan of the Maple Leafs was anxiously awaiting.
Sources say Mike Babcock has been hired by the Maple Leafs. Mammoth 8 yr contract believed to be around $50 million.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 20, 2015
Mike Babcock will be the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, source confirms
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 20, 2015
With Leafs Nation rejoicing, details began to emerge on Babcock’s mammoth contract.
Babcock's salary in first three years of his eight-year deal is believed to be as much as $8M per year.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 20, 2015
Clearly, money isn’t a thing to MLSE, which is something Leafs’ fans have known for years. Well, now it looks the organization is willing to spend some of that money and commit to building a winner in Toronto around Mike Babcock.
For months, speculation of Babcock to Toronto has gone on. Now it’s official, the Maple Leafs have signed their man.
Mike Babcock is the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I know it sounds weird, but I’m sure Leafs’ fans will get used to it.