The most sought-after prize of the NHL offseason isn't even going to strap on a pair of skates next season.
That is, of course, Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock.
The winner of a 2007-08 Stanley Cup, 527 career regular season games and another 82 in the postseason, Babcock has been at the helm of the Red Wings for the past 10 seasons, paving the way for their remarkable success.
With other clubs now able to court him after receiving permission from the Red Wings, Babcock has started to make the rounds to select his potential future coaching position.
Here are the top destinations, ranked from least likely to most, for the 52-year-old coaching guru.
7. St. Louis Blues
The Blues season didn't go as expected, yet again.
They had the depth. They won the Central division. They were a tough out at home and had home-ice advantage throughout most of the playoffs. Yet, they came up short, losing to the Minnesota Wild in the first round.
General manager Doug Armstrong has said the club won't rush into making changes and doesn't plan on doing anything until they lock up Vladimir Tarasenko, but head coach Ken Hitchcock's days with the team could be coming to an end, despite his sparkling reputation. This in turn could leave an opening for Babcock.
Hitchcock has spent four seasons with the Blues, never finishing worse than second in the Central, but it's the playoffs that have been his Achilles' heel, as he's never taken a Blues team beyond the second round.
Babcock's playoff success with Detroit could be appealing to St. Louis, and surely the coach would love a team with as much talent as the Blues, so there's a chance of a marriage here, albeit a small one.
6. Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are already making changes all over the organization.
They hired a new CEO in Bob Nicholson, a new president of hockey operations and general manager in Peter Chiarelli and will more than likely select Connor McDavid with the No.1 pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
Next up, a new head coach.
Babcock could be an interesting prospect for the position, but would the coach - who has surely gotten used to winning - be interested in attempting to lead a rebuilding - albeit talented - team?
The Oilers have shown more interest in ex-San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan as their new bench boss, so Babcock's chances of landing in the Oil City appear to be slim.
5. San Jose Sharks
Speaking of McLellan, his former team is also without a head coach and could be interested in Babcock.
Despite going through a rigorous and dramatic regular season that saw the team miss the postseason for the first time since 2002-03, San Jose still has enough quality pieces to win, and GM Doug Wilson may be looking to make a splash with his job potentially being on the line.
With the club announcing a new lease agreement to stay at the Shark Tank, and owner Hasso Plattner looking for a rebound, San Jose may want to give their fans something to cheer about. Babcock could be the answer, though reports say San Jose has already met with Randy Carlyle to fill the coaching void.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
When it comes to any big name, expect the Maple Leafs to be in the conversation.
The club - who has reportedly already spoken with Babcock - has plenty of money and hockey-crazed Toronto loves a big-ticket signing.
This mentality has burned Toronto in the past with the signing of busts such as David Clarkson, Jason Blake and Mike Komisarek. Furthermore, the team isn't in a win-now situation as they look to rebuild under the "Shanaplan" of team president Brendan Shanahan, but the lore of coaching the Maple Leafs alone may be enough bring Babcock to Hogtown.
Babcock isn't a player, but the pressure would be just as high if he took on the job in Toronto. The city wants results and the franchise is not opposed to making changes if things don't go well - just ask Carlyle and Ron Wilson - so that, along with the rebuild process, may be enough to keep him away.
3. Buffalo Sabres
Could Babcock become the Rex Ryan of hockey in Buffalo?
Team owners Terry and Kim Pegula want to change sports in the city and have the bread to do it, but does their plan for the franchise seem enticing enough to lure Babcock?
The Pegulas and GM Tim Murray reportedly met with the coach Sunday and the idea of coaching a potential superstar, and prospective 2nd-overall selection, in Jack Eichel - similar to coaching McDavid in Edmonton - along with a lucrative offer may be enough.
Add an already impressive talent pool of Evander Kane, Tyler Ennis, Zach Bogosian, Rasmus Ristolainen and others to the mix, and Babcock may bat more than an eye at the idea of landing with the Sabres.
2. Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers payroll is ridiculous and the results just aren't there for a franchise spending that much money.
However, that doesn't mean owner Ed Snider won't pony up more dough in an attempt to correct the situation.
Philadelphia - like Toronto - wants to win now and loves a big-ticket signing, but the difference in Philly is the Flyers are actually ready to win now and have prized pieces such as Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek with the ability to put them over the top.
Babcock would be a great fit in Philly and the team needs stability behind the bench if they hope to turn things around and get the most out of their money.
1. Detroit Red Wings
With all the hustle and bustle and speculation about where Babcock may land, the story may end how it began.
Babcock has an offer on the table from the Red Wings that would make him the highest-paid coach in the NHL. He enjoys working in Detroit as well, so the question is: why make a change if he's already comfortable?
The coach could be concerned about two consecutive conference quarterfinal losses and how much longer aging stars Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are going to play, but the Red Wings have a history of proving everyone wrong with their repeated success.
Babcock could choose to continue to cement his legacy with the Red Wings, which would make for a great run of success in his already storied career.