Thus, the organization pulled the trigger and fired head coach Mike Babcock to try to save their season.
When the Leafs signed Mike Babcock, it was supposed to be the start of turning the franchise around. He signed a record eight-year contract worth $50 million (an average of $6.25 million per season), making him the highest-paid coach in NHL history. In his four full seasons, the team went finished with the following point totals: 69, 95, 105 and 100. The 105-point season is a franchise record.
But with it came three first-round playoff exits. The team often struggled as the season went on and hockey tightened up – something their run and gun game is not made for.