More often than not, I like to end an article/blog with a line that really drives home a quality statement or leaves a feel good thought in your mind. Today’s write up may be no different, but just read this little statement from Maple Leafs Head-Coach Mike Babcock.

“Wait til you see what happens in Toronto in the next seven years”

These are the words of wisdom from not only a great coach, but the best. Mike Babcock was chatting with his late father at his summer home in Emma Lake, Saskatchewan when discussing his career path in the hockey world. Babcock’s father wanted him to know that what he’s accomplished is behind him and that his new task at hand is what’s important now. Bringing the Cup back to the Maple Leafs and ending the drought that continues to linger through the streets of Toronto is at the top of the list.

Maple Leafs fans will endure pain, as if we haven’t had enough with some of these mediocre rosters and management/coaching teams that have put the team backwards. Those times are gone, just like Babcock’s father stated. It’s a new venture now, one that is full of positive strides and successfully bringing up the youth, who are ready physically and mentally to make the jump.

Babcock was the thirtieth coach in Maple Leafs history and finished in thirtieth place overall in his first season with the blue and white.

This is a man who doesn’t miss the playoffs, Babcock felt the pain too. He deserved better, but Nonis and incompetent General Managers before him did a sub-par job and the new regime is beginning to clean up the mess, planting new seeds and nurturing accordingly.

The young prospects are beginning to ripen, and it’s only a season or two away before a handful of players break out of their shells and start lighting the lamp.

Who better to lead the charge than Mike Babcock and his coaching staff? Noooobody!

After last season, it was obvious the Leafs were lacking overall talent, and by seasons end you got a nice little sample pack of what’s to come. Nylander, Brown, Soshnikov, Hyman and Carrick all got a chance to strut their stuff on the big club. Each and every player looked like they belonged on the Leafs as they skated hard, fought for the puck and won some battles. More strengthening and conditioning is a must for every player, as well as having a quality coaching staff pushing you forward, but most importantly in the right direction.

Babcock’s influence is going to be huge for all of these younger players coming up the pipeline. Everyone knows how great of a coach he is and that by listening to him they will only get better. At the end of the day, that’s what counts, getting better and continuing to grow as a team.

As we know, Babs loves having the puck and is a possession type guy. Which makes sense, why give the puck up when you can have it? I’m sure we’ve all seen an overwhelming amount of dump and chase in the Randy Carlyle days. The thing is, that’s a good tactic, as long as you have a pit bull to go in there and get the puck.

Looking back to last season, there were three players who I felt that really improved their overall game and I expect each of them to elevate their play to the next level this season in their second year under Babcock.

Morgan Rielly:

Morgan is the Leafs future on defense, I’m sure we can all agree on that. Last year Morgan had a breakout season under Babcock, chalking up 36 points in 82 games. Points are not the end all be all, and Rielly improved in all facets of the game, and seemed to really settle in as the season wound down. All it takes is time with Mr. Babcock and Rielly will continue to excel, especially as the team continues to improve. Don’t be surprised to see Morgan Rielly a 45-50 point defenseman within a couple seasons when the Leafs are firing on all cylinders.

Last season Rielly didn’t see a magnitude of power play time at the start of the season, quite possibly because the Leafs were giving Phaneuf all of the opportunity they could as they were trying to raise his worth and trade him. The plan obviously worked as the Senators took the bait.

Rielly was getting second to third in total ice time for defensemen before Phaneuf was traded, and his roll only increased as the season went on. Expect Morgan to continue being against the top lines in a shutdown/offensive role as well as a large increase in power play time for the full season.

Babcock on Rielly “I love how he can get the puck to the net. I love how conscientious he’s become defensively.”

Jake Gardiner:

Gardiner is finally settling into his role on the Maple Leafs as the swift skating defender who brings a great outlet pass, or option of skating the puck out and into the offensive zone. Jake can skate fast and get back into position if he gets caught on a rush, which is a good thing because over the last few year’s it’s happened a few times too many.

If Babcock can continue to train the brain of Jake Gardiner, the Leafs defender will breakout into an offensive weapon. With his elite level skating and offensive prowess, Gardiner should be able to max out around 40 points or so. He’s destined for the Leafs second pairing as well as time on the power play, likely on the second pairing.

Last season you could see Gardiner having much more confidence when going back to get the puck, becoming stronger along the boards and winning battles to get the puck to the winger along the boards are ever so important in Babcock’s system. Each month forward it seemed as if Gardiner was climbing to the next level of his game. Patience was a virtue with Jake as he has taken a bit more time to come into his own. Last season Gardinder ended up with 31 points in 79 games.

Nazem Kadri:

You can love or hate Nazem Kadri, but at the end of the day, he’s here to stay. The Leafs drafted Kadri back in 2009 at seventh overall and have going through some up’s and downs with the center. After a rocky start with Wilson and a voyage with Carlyle, it seems Kadri has his game back on track. His feistiness is something I like; it also helps him draw a lot of penalties as he’s not exactly loved in the NHL.

Kadri is a shifty bugger on the ice, and does a great job at getting under the skin of his opponents. Nazem will very useful to the organization while they push Matthews, Marner and Nylander up the roster with increased roles. Kadri is there to fill the void until Matthews is ready for number one duties on the top line, and will be very serviceable with the Leafs on the second line after the transition has taken place.

This is the year Kadri will surpass the 50 point mark, and just may venture into new territory with a 60 point season if all goes well. Having quality line-mates and a system that works well with the players at hand is huge for Kadri moving forward. The Leafs have been quite a mess since he was drafted, and now finally have some direction and a game plan set in place. Kadri had 45 points last season and played quite well versus the top lines of every team the Leafs faced. Look for the ‘dream’ to flourish under Babcock in his second season.


(Props to Uncle Leo Komarov who was another player who excelled under coach Babcock).

Thanks for reading!

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