Babcock visits Buffalo Sabres

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Mike Babcock’s coaching interview tour took him to Buffalo on Sunday for a meeting with Sabres owner Terry Pegula.

The Detroit Red Wings coach declined comment to the Associated Press, and referred questions to Pegula when the two got out of an SUV at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. Pegula said “Hello,” before making a remark on how much rain had fallen. The two then walked away and boarded a private jet.

Babcock flew to Buffalo earlier in the day and spent the afternoon meeting with Pegula and general manager Tim Murray at the Sabres’ downtown arena. Babcock is still under contract with the Red Wings through June 30.

The Red Wings are open to re-signing Babcock, but have granted him permission to interview with other teams.

Numerous teams are expected to court Babcock, who spent the past 10 seasons coaching in Detroit. The Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils are also conducting coaching searches. The Edmonton Oilers haven’t determined whether to keep Todd Nelson. There could be potential vacancies in both St. Louis and Boston.