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. 
By 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.
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.”
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’m thinking 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020. A dynasty approacheth.
Lofty expectations – no doubt from your outer space experience.
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