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Report: Leafs have permission to speak with Babcock

Mike Babcock

Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, top, yells to his team during the first period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Western Conference semifinals against the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago, Saturday, May 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AP

Todd McLellan and Mike Babcock are the two most coveted coaches available and the Toronto Maple Leafs plan to meet with both regarding their coaching vacancy in the coming days according to Sportsnet’s Damien Cox.

Leafs’ President Brendan Shanahan is expected to travel to the Czech Republic this week where he will meet with McLellan who is currently coaching Team Canada at the Worlds.

Shanahan fired interim head coach Peter Horachek on April 12 after the Leafs finished 9-28-5 under his watch.

Babcock is heading overseas to watch Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin who is playing for the Americans.

Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday night that McLellan is the Edmonton Oilers’ top choice for their coaching vacancy.

According to a report out of Philadelphia on Sunday, Babcock is the Flyers’ top target to replace Craig Berube.

Detroit and San Jose would each get a third round pick if Babcock or McLellan sign elsewhere.

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