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Philadelphia Flyers Coaching Options: Mike Babcock

By John Gove

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Philadelphia Flyers Coaching Options: Mike Babcock

It is no secret that Mike Babcock will be the most highly coveted coach on the job market this offseason. Like many other teams, the Philadelphia Flyers are hopeful that they will be able to acquire the services of the current bench-boss of the Detroit Red Wings. If the Babcock decides to leave Detroit, is becoming the next coach of the orange black a realistic possibility?


Mike Babcock’s tenure with the Detroit Red Wings has been a phenomenal one to say the least. In his ten years as coach, Babcock has tallied 458 wins, 223 losses, and 105 overtime losses. The Red Wings have never missed the postseason under Mike Babcock’s rule. In ten playoff appearances, Detroit has been crowned conference champions twice and has won one Stanley Cup. No other active coach has a resume quite as decorated as Mr. Babcock and any team would be extremely lucky to have him running the show.

Oct 21, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock reacts during the third period against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Babcock’s contract with the Red Wings does not expire until June 30th, which means that teams cannot start interviewing him before then, unless they have received permission from Detroit. This could throw a little wrench in Ron Hextall’s plan to have a head coach in place before the NHL Draft on June 26th.

Even if the Flyers are able to obtain permission from the Red Wings to interview Babcock before his contract expires, there is no evidence that points to the 52-year-old from Ontario choosing to make Philadelphia his new home.

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Some would say that other teams may be able to provide more to Babcock than the Flyers can. For example, take a look at a team like the Edmonton Oilers. They have a crazy amount of young talent, and are set to draft the next hockey-icon, Connor McDavid. What coach does not dream coaching a kid with the potential that McDavid brings to the table?

In addition, there have been rumors that Babcock is seeking a bigger role with his next coaching gig. Teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs would be able to provide him with this, while it would be difficult for Philadelphia to do so. Ron Hextall is heading into his second year as the team’s general manager, and one can speculate that Ed Snider is not ready to take away that role from him at this point and time.

The Philadelphia Flyers underperformed this season, and have the necessary pieces to make the playoffs next season. If Ron Hextall can make some improvements to the current roster, Philadelphia could become serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. If Mike Babcock is looking for a team with the potential to win sooner rather than later, the Flyers might be the team for him. There is no question Mike Babcock would be able to accomplish great things with the likes of Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek on his bench.

The Philadelphia Flyers are very much involved in the Mike Babcock sweepstakes. Flyers Nation can only hope that both sides share a mutual interest, and Babcock decides to make standing behind the Flyers bench his new day-job.

Next: Flyers Coaching Poll

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