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Babcock: thrill of new challenge led him to Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock said Friday what led him to leave the Detroit Red Wings after 10 seasons as coach was the need for a new challenge.

"I love it here," Babcock said after cleaning out his office at Joe Louis Arena. "But I also think that it was time for me … I wanted a different challenge."

Babcock was hired by the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, signing what was reported by TSN and Sportsnet as an eight-year, $50 million contract.

However, Babcock said Friday it wasn't the money that lured him to Toronto.