Report: Maple Leafs, Sabres file for permission to hire Mike Babcock

The Mike Babcock sweepstakes appear to be down to three teams.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres have reportedly filed the paperwork to give up a draft pick if the coveted Detroit Red Wings head coach chooses to leave the Motor City.

"As of (Friday) night, only two teams had officially filed for permission, agreeing to give up compensation if they hired Mike Babcock and that was Toronto and Buffalo," Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada's Saturday Headlines segment.

"So unless when he comes back from the (World Championship) this week, someone else does it, it's going to be the Maple Leafs, the Sabres or the Red Wings."

Babcock told TSN's Darren Dreger on Friday that he expects to have a decision made on his future by Wednesday. He has spent 10 years with the Red Wings organization under general manager Ken Holland.

Babcock visited the Sabres in Buffalo last Sunday before departing for the Czech Republic.

"Now it's believed that the Sabres are putting together a big pitch," Friedman said Saturday. "That doesn't mean they're going to get him. However, it does look like we're finally heading to a conclusion this week."

Babcock's contract expires on June 30.