Good for the Leafs.
If there was no salary cap they'd have a payroll out of reach of most franchises, so putting the ransom money from fans into coaching isn't an outrageous idea.
Babcock isn't taking over a Scotty Bowman structured team so this isn't going to be as easy for him.
Lots of noise in Calgary about this ... trying to make it out to be something it isn't.
IMO, I don't believe he was hired with the expectations the Leafs should now be considered a playoffs contender.
With an eight year contract (or 5) my expectation is he teaches the team how to play a structured game, and perhaps cast off the players who refuse to buy-in and play a professional game, putting the team first.
I know there are posters here who do not like the Wings or the style of game the Wings played. I liked their style (even if some found it boring), it was more about patience, and puck management. Going to be funny to see how opinions change now that Babcock is on this side of fence.
Heck, people have called for Shanahan to be fired because he didn't completely change the Leafs in less than a year. I'm sure those same fans will be clamoring for Babcock's head if they aren't a contender within 2 years.
The approach the Leafs are taking seems a little more mature and professional than I've seen for ... can't remember how long. Fletcher's first go round, and even then I thought the Fuhr and Anderson trade were short term.
No hot air.
No ridiculous proclamations.
No rush to judgment .
No chest pounding.
Seems almost Canadian like.
Not sure what we'll see next, player transactions or the GM. In either case, just do it right.
Welcome aboard Mr. Babcock.
