You can't always have it your way. Finding that out the hard way are the Sabres and general manager Tim Murray, who on Wednesday, for the second time in a month, looked on as their Plan A uncontrollably slipped from their fingertips to another team across the border.
After a two-week courting process by the Sabres, longtime Red Wings coach Mike Babcock agreed instead to an eight-year deal with the archrival Maple Leafs worth $50 million. And the Sabres aren't happy, according to multiple reports.
MORE: Babcock decision met with warmth, cold reality in Detroit | Leafs' big money worth it for Babcock
Contract discussions between Murray and Babcock began in principle Sunday, according to WKBW-TV. The report said the Sabres offered similar terms to the Leafs, possibly including a ninth year. In their mind, an agreement was in place. In fact, the Sabres were so confident they had Babcock in the bag, the team was beginning to plan its news conference for early Monday to introduce their new coach, The Buffalo News reported.
Sabres livid for way Babcock handled past few days. Sabres so confident he was coming that they were prepared for Monday news conference.
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) May 20, 2015But by late Tuesday, Babcock had yet to sign on the dotted line. That's when the Leafs jumped in.
According to WGR 550 in Buffalo, Babcock took the Sabres' offer and used it as leverage at the negotiating table with the Leafs. Babcock, who also listened to offers from the Red Wings, Sharks and Blues, informed the Sabres around 11 a.m. Wednesday they were out.
MORE: Blues take another look at Hitchcock
Shortly thereafter, Babcock's deal with the Leafs was in place and the Sabres were forced to return to the drawing board for the second time this offseason.
Sources indicate the #MapleLeafs were in talks w/ Guy Boucher this am to make him next head coach. In the meantime, Babcock contacted Leafs.
— Louis Jean (@LouisJean_TVA) May 20, 2015Last month, the Sabres lost out on the first overall pick in the NHL Draft lottery to the Oilers despite having the best odds to win, more than likely missing the opportunity to draft Connor McDavid, who is considered a can't-miss prospect and a lock for the top overall selection.
Sitting there at second overall, however, should be Jack Eichel, considered a likely top pick in any other draft without McDavid. With other coaching candidates like Dan Bylsma, Peter DeBoer or Luke Richardson still available for hire, another consolation prize doesn't seem so bad for Buffalo.