Mike Babcock emerges as one of the leading candidates for vacant Head Coaching job as his contract expires

Mike Babcock hasn't coached in the NHL since being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that could change very soon.

Since the New York Rangers were eliminated in a first-round series that went 7 games, the changes have started. After firing head coach Gerard Gallant, the search for a new bench boss begins.

According to Eliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on the 32 Thoughts podcast, he believes the Rangers want to go after Pittsburgh Penguins' head coach Mike Sullivan, should he get fired, or former Detriot Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs head coach, Mike Babcock.



It's unlikely Sullivan becomes available, but it he does, that obviously would be the Rangers first choice to try and right the ship.

Babcock is an interesting name because he hasn't coached in the National Hockey League since late 2019 and his departure from the Maple Leaf organization was less than ideal. No organization has wanted to look at Babcock since, except a university hockey team in Saskatchewan. However, as of July 1st, Babcock's current contract with the Maple Leafs will have expired leaving him free to negotiate wherever he wants.

Could this be Babcock's shot to show he's changed since his failings in Toronto? I personally wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole, but if the head coaching pool is that dry, New York may have to.