A Big Fix for Canada’s Team

I blogged in February on The Five Big Problems of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Happily Team President Brendan Shanahan agreed on the most important point. CFeApxQXIAAM3-m.jpg-largeBy hiring Mike Babcock as the new head coach – $50 million for eight years – Leafs management sends a clear message to media, fans and players alike: this team must win now.

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 21:  Nazem Kadri #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates after scoring in the first period against the Buffalo Sabres  at First Niagara Center on March 21, 2013 in Buffalo, United States.  (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

There are many next steps, the most important of which is to address player leadership, but the first step is the most important.

Said Babcock this morning: “I believe this is Canada’s team and it’s time to put it back on the map. I came here to be involved in a Cup process. I have a burning desire to win. I want to build a team that the fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be proud of.”

13-05-13 - TORONTO, ONTARIO - Maple Leaf Square erupts as the Leafs score to even it up 1-1 in the 1st period. Toronto Maple Leaf fans react to the Game 7 action in Boston between Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. The winner of the game goes on to Round 2 of NHL playoffs Rick Madonik/Toronto Star

4 thoughts on “A Big Fix for Canada’s Team

  1. And here I thought he was signing up so that the two of them could go golfing at Glen Abby in April. = like golf, you have to dust off that last shot and start all over every-time you address the ball. Unfortunately for Mike he is missing a few clubs from his bag and his big hitters need new grips. = play through boys,.. think 2020.

    • I am a very experienced and knowledgeable sports writer, as evidenced by my May 7th post on cbs.sportsline:

      Babcock will go to Toronto for three basic reasons:
      1. Coaching the Leafs to the Cup is the Holy Grail of the profession
      2. Shanahan will give Babcock the respect and latitude he needs
      3. TML will make highest offer

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