I think he's a good choice at any time.
First off he was available this year, some other team would have signed him if the leafs didn't.
Beyond that he has a few years to get his system set up and get all the members of the coaching staffs on the same page and rowing in the same direction. He can establish a new mindset for the organization and show the young guys what it's going to take to play for him. Better to learn from the best than to develop bad habits that would need correcting in the future. Bringing in a 'tank coach' might be more harmful in the long run despite the 'better chance at a top pick'. I feel that development of skill and character is a big part of what makes a good hockey player and the leafs now have a great teacher. It may mean having to make the most out of a 5-10 pick instead of a top 3 but with those top 3 picks being lottery, anything can happen. Including Edmonton winning again even if they miss the playoffs by a point or tiebreaker.
1, He will get the most out of veterans and free agent signings, so the return will be maximum.
2. He will instill core values in youngsters as they grow with the team.
Yeah but, one could argue that only in Argentina would they assume a dead guy had sex with a scarecrow that he happened to die beside while taking a piss.
Location: Garf is expendabilittle., HI Joined: 01.26.2012
Aug 12 @ 2:57 PM ET
Who will replace Phi Kessel’s offense? PAP who has something to prove and Marner who makes the team with AWE
Will Kadri finally be able to produce as a #1 or #2 center? Yes. He has Caresi.
Will Bozak be able to put up decent offensive numbers without Kessel on his wing? Yes. Kessel was holding Bozak back. Bozak is a young two-way superstar and should compete for the Selke.
Will Lupul be able to stay healthy this season and regain offensive form from years past? Yes. Lupul has been working out with Max Pacciorety
Will JVR be able to take the next step in his career and become a consistent 30+ goal scorer? Yes. JVR has 100 point potential.
Without a legitimate top pairing defenseman to play with will Dion Phanuef’s play continue to trail off? Babcock wanted Dion. THERE'S A REASON
Will Rielly and Gardiner be able to carry the load as the Leafs #2 and # 3 defenseman? Yes. Rielly is the best player in the 2012 draft and will finally have a coach that understands him. Gardiner is an elite advanced stats machine.
Will Bernier bounce back from an off year and be able to justify his new contract? Sadly still no, Babcock can't save this French monstrosity, but Reimer will have a career year with God as his witness.
- AdamFrench
You should consider blogging - you seem to have really good insights that many may have overlooked.
If he's considered one of the best coaches in the world, and he is highly motivated to win a Cup in Toronto, any time is a good time to lock him up for the long term.
The Leafs were not the only team to offer Babcock these kind of numbers, Buffalo had a very similar contract offer to Babcock. So he did not pick Toronto because of the number on the contract.
The Leafs were not the only team to offer Babcock these kind of numbers, Buffalo had a very similar contract offer to Babcock. So he did not pick Toronto because of the number on the contract. - oldhockeyfan
The Leafs were not the only team to offer Babcock these kind of numbers, Buffalo had a very similar contract offer to Babcock. So he did not pick Toronto because of the number on the contract. - oldhockeyfan
Everyone in the media said the $ did not matter. He would never step foot in Toronto.
I think the reason that Toronto is so attractive to all the people coming in, is that if they build a winner here, it will be their own. Babcock's detractors say that he inherited his success in Detroit, and couldn't lose with team Canada's loaded roster.
If he helps win in Toronto, no one will be able to say those things about him, he'll go down as one of the best in history, without negative asterisks
