NHL coach predicts Babcock will leave Red Wings for lucrative deal with Sabres

Mike Babcock, head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.

Yes, there's reportedly a very good chance the NHL's most sought-after coach will leave the comfort of the Detroit Red Wings for a big payday in Buffalo.

Babcock will reportedly meet with his family Tuesday night to make his decision, which an NHL coaching source predicts will be a new regime with the Sabres, reports John Vogl of The Buffalo News.

There's a reported extension offer on the table from the Red Wings at $3.25 million annually - which would make him the highest paid coach in the league - but Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula are opening up their wallets in a big way, reportedly offering a deal in the range of $5 million per season.

Babcock appears to be concerned with more than just his own legacy, with an eye on his fellow NHL coaching brethren. From Vogl's report:

Money is merely one factor in Babcock’s decision, but it’s an important one on several levels. In addition to providing for his family, Babcock has talked often of boosting the salaries of NHL coaches. The source inside that fraternity told The News that Babcock doesn’t understand why hockey coaches are paid so much less than their professional sports counterparts, and the Sabres’ offer will significantly raise the bar for hockey’s bench bosses.

Babcock, a Stanley Cup winner and owner of 527 career regular season wins, plus 82 in the postseason, will make his decision by his self-imposed Wednesday deadline.