Mike Babcock’s coaching contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs has suddenly and dramatically altered the financial outlook for his NHL counterparts.
Babcock’s eight-year deal worth $50 million US not only makes him the highest-paid coach in the NHL, but sets an unprecedented ceiling for coaches’ salaries in the league.
It’s a rising tide that floats all boats for his brethren.
“I’m sure he got lots of thank-you notes from his peers,” player agent J.P. Barry told The Canadian Press on Thursday when the Leafs held a news conference to introduce Babcock.
“I think it absolutely changes the landscape for NHL coaches.