Analyst: Babcock not going to Toronto

Detroit — Another potential landing spot for Mike Babcock has apparently been eliminated.

Bob McKenzie, TSN Canada's hockey analyst, said this morning Babcock is "definitely" not coming to the Maple Leafs and likely to remain as head coach of the Red Wings.

"I think all signs are pointing to that, but until such time that he makes the announcement you always allow for the possibility that something could come out of left field," McKenzie told TSN Radio Tuesday morning.

"He's definitely not coming to Toronto."

Babcock and general manager Ken Holland are scheduled to talk at some point today, with Babcock saying he'll discuss his options with his family this evening, and make a decision Wednesday on his coaching future.

At this point, only the Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres appear to be viable options for Babcock — and Buffalo's lack of present high-end talent make the Sabres a definite rebuild situation in the short-term.

"The offer he got in Buffalo is intriguing, but I think he looks at the team realizes there's still a lot of work to be done there," McKenzie said. "He wants to win now, he wants to compete for Cups, he's going to have a better opportunity to do that in Detroit.

"He's had conversations with St. Louis and San Jose. I don't think the San Jose one was more a courtesy call on the part of the Sharks, and probably the same thing for Babcock. I don't think they necessarily offered him the job.

"At this point, I think most people would be extremely surprised if he doesn't come out and say he's staying with the Red Wings."

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

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