I don't disagree that Holland hasn't marshaled his assets well, but I see too many clubs around the league who lack those assets entirely. While I think a number of guys could be brought up sooner, Holland has shown the ability to keep the guys who are worth something, and not losing good assets for nothing (Jarnkrok being one of the few possible exceptions).
If we still had Nill, or even Yzerman, sitting on the shelf waiting to be slid into the GM job it would be a harder choice for me. I'm not sure from where we would pull Holland's replacement right now, though.
Holland doesn't really use his assets as a strength though. There is zero reason to not upgrade the roster when you have more assets than potential spots. Does anyone really think we'll have a team with Marchenko, Sproul, XO and Backman on it? I'm not saying he needs to decide instantly, but GMs in this league have to be able to maximize their trade assets. Holland doesn't trade, period. So we're stuck in a state that shows really no signs of reaching a next level.
Can anyone sit here and tell me they're comfortable with the direction of this team regardless of Babcock's personnel decisions? So Holland is here next year and Babcock is gone. Just because Cleary leaves with him doesn't mean Mantha is on the team or more kids are promoted more frequently. Holland hoards players until they're supposed to be or past their peaks (22-24 years old). Why can other contenders find room for their waiver eligible players but Holland can't? I believe he still thinks he can stick a veteran (regardless of their ability) and 'teach' the kids something. It's not how to win, because this team would've been better off over the years incorporating more kids more often. That still isn't happening on purpose and that's my issue.
So to answer this question? I'd probably keep Babcock, when Babcock had more good players, his lines didn't look like this, so all of the joking about how if would stick grinders everywhere if he were GM is silly. His lines looked great when Holland gave him a great lineup.