New Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock at Thursday's introductory news conference "made it clear that he is aware of the size of the task ahead and would have no problems operating in the fishbowl that surrounds the Leafs franchise," according to the CP. It was a "polished performance from a veteran coach." Meanwhile, the Toronto Sun "had 14 pages of Babcock coverage in its sports section," while the Leafs took out a full-page ad in the Toronto Star that read, “Welcome to Toronto, Mike” (CP, 5/21). In Toronto, Terry Koshan writes Babcock "wasn't hired to dip his toe in the water," as there is "no out clause in Babcock's contract, an integral factor for him" and Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. Babcock: "We should be in this together" (TORONTO SUN, 5/22). The GLOBE & MAIL's James Mirtle writes this "isn’t a typical hire." Babcock will "essentially be part development coach, part assistant GM and part bench boss in Toronto, one of a chorus of voices in a group that Shanahan referred to as 'people way smarter and way better at this than me'” (GLOBE & MAIL, 5/22). Also in Toronto, Steve Simmons writes the "model to follow" for the Leafs is that of the Lightning or Red Wings. Shanahan "spent the best nine years of his Hall of Fame career breathing in and living the Red Wing life: It is not ironic that Babcock was first on his list of available coaches." Last year’s Maple Leafs were "dotted with children, on and off the ice," and immaturity "ran rampant." But that is "about to change," as Babcock will "establish the environment from Day 1." Simmons: "It’s time to grow up or get out" (TORONTO SUN, 5/22).
PLAYING IT STRAIGHT: In Toronto, Steve Buffery writes it "seems preposterous that a coach who has already accomplished everything -- a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals, world junior title -- would want to coach a team that has hit rock bottom with no promising end in sight." But when Babcock said that he "embraces the idea, you tend to believe him" (TORONTO SUN, 5/22). The GLOBE & MAIL's Mirtle writes there was "never any sugar-coating" from Shanahan, who by his "own admission was upfront about how far away his team is from contending when he first sat down with ... Babcock, laying out the dramatic rebuild needed over a period of years." Shanahan "didn’t enjoy his sales pitch," and he "didn’t know if it was a winning strategy to pry one of the best coaches in the NHL away from a winning organization." But it "was the truth." The Leafs "appear to now have some smart people in charge," otherwise Babcock "would have never signed on, regardless of the money." However, "they're still in the teardown process" (GLOBE & MAIL, 5/22). In Toronto, Kevin McGran notes Shanahan "still has to find" a GM, but he is "in no rush." Leafs Assistant GM Kyle Dubas and Dir of Player Personnel Mark Hunter "may end up with the GM's title" (TORONTO SUN, 5/22).
ONE SHANNY MOMENT: GRANTLAND's Sean McIndoe wrote the Leafs "did a good thing," and they "accomplished what they set out to do." They "didn't fail, epically and embarrassingly," and in Toronto, that "counts as progress." Maybe the "biggest winner here is Shanahan," who "called his shot" with the hire. Talking a big game "is nothing new in Toronto, but actually delivering sure is." McIndoe: "Whatever you think of the fit for Babcock in Toronto, it has to be encouraging for Leafs fans to know that Shanahan was able to sell a smart guy like Babcock on his vision for the future" (GRANTLAND.com, 5/21).
CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE: In Toronto, Mike Zeisberger notes Babcock admitted Thursday that he understands how Sabres Owner Terry Pegula and his team’s "legion of loyal fans might be feeling like the groom who is left standing at the alter" (TORONTO SUN, 5/22). In Buffalo, Mike Harrington writes Babcock "could have gotten" his $50M with the Sabres, but he "wanted the chance to rescue a desperate Original Six franchise" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/22). Sabres GM Tim Murray said, "When a team like Toronto’s involved, you can never be surprised. We were quite a piece down the line. We were in negotiations of a contract, knowing full well that at the end of the day there’s no deal done until he says, ‘I’m coming to you.’" But in Buffalo, John Vogl notes Murray, who is conducting his first coaching search as a GM, "is still enjoying it despite losing his top choice." Murray: "It was a great process to have a guy of his ilk, considered one of the best coaches in the National Hockey League available, and taking a real good, hard look at us in Buffalo after a 30th-place finish" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/22).
