Leafs coach search: Mike Babcock an ideal but unlikely candidate

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsThe Detroit Red Wings have granted their longtime head coach Mike Babcock the opportunity to speak to other teams, according to general manager Ken Holland. Holland announced that the permission was given at Babcock's request, but expressed that he wants his coach of 10 years to return.

And while the Leafs have long been rumoured as a potential destination for Babcock, it appears it's not going to be a bidding war that is won solely by bearing the largest wallet.

The Leafs no doubt can afford him, but with the bidding war that is likely to ensue in the coaching market, the Leafs are neither it's most competitive team nor the one with the best currently-underway…