The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach. Babcock chose Toronto over the Buffalo Sabres, among other teams.Babcock has spent the last 10 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008 and going to the finals in 2009.
His contract expires at the end of June but the Red Wings had given him permission to negotiate with other teams. The Leafs must send a third-round pick to Detroit as compensation.
Babcock will be introduced at an 11 a.m. news conference Thursday.
Toronto beat out several clubs for Babcock's services, including Detroit, Buffalo and San Jose. The Sabres were reportedly negotiating contract details with Babcock on Tuesday.
Babcock, a Saskatoon native, has led Canada to two Olympic gold medals.
