Mike Babcock, whose last eight teams in Detroit and Toronto combined to win one playoff series, ultimately lost his job behind the Maple Leafs bench because he refused to coach the roster he was given while instead pining for the one he wanted.
It is not only clear, but crystal, that MLSE president Brendan Shanahan, the man both behind and in front of the franchise curtain, expects the progressive and largely analytics-driven world view of the organization that has permeated every step of the operation to manifest itself on the ice, as well.
And why not?
That is why Shanahan chose to install Kyle Dubas as general manager two summers ago instead of extending Lou Lamoriello’s contract in what amounted to an out-with-the-old and in-with-the-new decree.