We may not know the truth for years, but it’s pretty well established folk-lore by now that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas wanted to fire Mike Babcock in the summer and was blocked by someone – probably Larry Tanenbaum – from doing it.
If that is the case – and I would bet a lot of money that that is the case – the Leafs early season losing streak was a blessing in disguise.
Everyone knew Babcock should have been fired last spring, and now that he’s gone so much the better.
The Leafs look like a brand new team under Sheldon Keefe – and one who actually plays in the way in which they were built.