I’d like to get other fans’ opinions on him.
The problem is there is no system in Toronto. That’s on Babcock.
I'm confused, why ask a question just to argue with everyone's responses if you have already come to your own conclusion?
To answer the "question":
No. Babcock is far from the problem in Toronto. Their defense is abysmal, their young guns have struggled immensely, and Matthews/Nylander with the last change couldn't even take advantage of the god awful bottom 6 that Boston was icing considering Nash had to be bumped up in place of Bergeron.
No Kadri hurts, but that's what happens when you act like a schmuck in the playoffs.
Matthews - 1 point
Nylander - 1 point
JVR - 2 Goals
Plekanec -2 points
Bozak -2 points
You don't win when:
1/6 - Suspended
4/6 - Less than 2 points in 4 games
The only player on the top 6 deserving of a better look is Marner, kid is carrying the rest of the offensive load.
Babcock is one of the best coaches in the modern NHL. He has a god awful defensive core to work with; arguably the worst defensive core he has EVER worked with. Toronto was doomed to start with; the two teams they were destined to play against just outmatch them. Boston is bigger, has way more depth, and has a solid defensive core. Tampa is just as fast, with infinitely better defense, and a lot deeper offensively.
Toronto only won this series if Freddie played out of his mind, which was evident in their Game 3 victory. Toronto is a few pieces away from being an actual contender, and while everyone seems to think it will be Liljegren that saves their defensive corps; it just won't happen.
Babcock was also the coach when the team was in last place.
Weird, almost as if the argument that Babcock isn't the problem stands up even better when you consider that when he had a dogshit roster, they had dogshit results, and with a good roster they produce good results.
The Leafs need a true #1 D-Man that is right-handed. They also need to stop giving away draft picks, because when Marner and Matthews are up for this big extensions, you can't be having an expensive bottom 6.
The RHD that we can assume would be available, and could fill that role in Toronto:
Erik Karlsson: Leafs wont like the price, and Sens would surely make them overpay to move E.K to a rival.
Doughty: You MAY be able to get him in free agency, but you're looking at 11m + a year, good luck fitting that in with Matthews/Nylander/Marner. Kings wouldn't move him early without Nylander++
Weber: Leafs fans will say that "they would never take that contract" (as if it is actually THAT bad) but I imagine if Weber gets moved, its to Toronto or Edmonton ultimately.
Carlson: He will be a free-agent this season, so the Leafs definitely need to be throwing all the money at him and hoping it sticks.
Faulk: Definitely doesn't fill the bill perfectly, but he is the cheapest option of those above. You could likely get him without giving up one of the kids or Lilly