Mike Babcock appointed new Toronto Maple Leafs head coach

03:15 - 20 May 2015

___3780070___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___3780070___2015___5___22___8___mike-babcock_j877vfk3bofs13xb7rpo3495v

The Toronto Maple Leafs have appointed Mike Babcock as their new head coach, bringing his 10-year stay with the Detroit Red Wings to an end.

Mike Babcock has ended speculation regarding his future after agreeing to take over as the Toronto Maple Leafs' head coach.

Babcock's contract with the Detroit Red Wings was set to expire on June 30 and the Michigan franchise had given him permission to talk to other teams after attempts to agree an extension stalled.

Reports had suggested that Babcock, who spent 10 years in Detroit, was in negotiations with the Buffalo Sabres, but the Maple Leafs have won the race for his signature.

The 52-year-old, who coached the Anaheim Ducks before moving to the Red Wings, is one of the NHL's most coveted coaches, and boasts an outstanding regular-season record of 458-223-105 from his time in Detroit.

During his time as an NHL head coach, Babcock has led his teams to three Stanley Cup finals - winning once, in 2008 - and four Western Conference finals.