Mike Babcock who grew up in Saskatoon to join Maple Leafs as head coach

Head coach Mike Babcock, of Saskatoon, Sask., speaks to reporters at the Canadian national men's team orientation camp in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh)

Text:

The much sought-after Mike Babcock is joining the Toronto Maple Leafs after signing a reported eight-year deal worth about $50 million.

Babcock grew up in Saskatoon and at one time played for the Saskatoon Blades. He has been coach of the Detroit Red Wings for 10 years.

His contract expires at the end of June but the Red Wings had given him permission to negotiate with other teams.

Babcock will become the highest-paid coach in NHL history with a reported salary of $6.25 million, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings were also thought to be in the running for Babcock's services, but a rumoured deal with the Sabres on Tuesday never came to fruition.

The Ontario-born coach started his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks in 2002, where he ran the team for two seasons before landing a job in Detroit in 2005.

Babcock coached 10 seasons in Motown and won a Stanley Cup in 2009. He was also behind the bench for Stanley Cup final appearances in Anaheim and Detroit.

With files from CTVNews.ca Staff