A change of plan for Mike Babcock? NHL return this season?

Former Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks head coach Mike Babcock shocked the hockey world earlier this month when it was announced that he had accepted a position with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

Check it out:

"I am excited to work with Huskie athletes, back in my hometown, at the university where I had the opportunity to play under legendary coach Dave King," said Babcock, who suited up for one season with the Huskies in 1981-82 before going back to the Western Hockey League (WHL). He later attended McGill University where he earned a bachelor's degree in education.  

"This is a special place for me, and I look forward to having the chance to help develop these young men," Babcock added. "Saskatchewan has provided me many opportunities in my life and my career, and I am truly excited about the opportunity to give back." 

It's worth noting though that Babcock isn't slated to take over head coaching duties with the Huskies until May 1st, 2021 and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is skeptical of that date even. Why? Well, with a firm plan in place now for Babcock, Friedman theorizes that NHL GMs may now use that date as a deadline to bring him on board. 

From Friedman's most recent 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

Mike Babcock takes over at the University of Saskatchewan on May 1. Now that there’s a date on his return to coaching, does any NHL team consider him beforehand?

It makes total sense if you think about it. Babcock puts the news out there that he'll effectively be off the market come May 1st and you have to imagine that at least a few GMs around the NHL saw that news and gave consideration to bringing him on board. My theory: Don't be surprised if Babs never coaches a single game for the Huskies. He'll be scooped up back into the NHL sometime before May 1st.