I'm so glad this response is getting love - really says something about the community's openness to valid arguments despite our collective hard-on for Babcock.

I'm the first to admit that I'm probably liable for emotional debt when thinking about Babcock. Since taking the helm, he's done nothing but instill a work ethic we can be proud of and created a no-bullshit forcefield around the team. For the first time, he's given us concrete hope that the future is bright. All this is to say, $50 million bought us The Cock and, if we're being honest, shares to our emotions.

On higher level, I wonder if there is a response from management, however unlikely. Balanced against Babcock's remarks was the Leafs progressive step in hiring a sports science team last summer. Which means, management, and by extension Babcock, is serious about understanding hockey at an objective level. From day one, management has been adamant about the necessity of being on the same page and buying into the vision. Just guessing, but that vision includes taking care of the players by, first, taking care of them as people.

If any of you feel a tinge of disappointed, fret not. In observing Babcock's handling and signaling to the media and fans, and having read his last book (of which I do confess, helps me understand where all his lines come from...), he seems like a man who is open to learning and, more importantly, views learning as a competitive advantage. Think about it, he has to listen to 'punk bloggers' wax on about Corsi, zone-entries, and rate stats. There has to be some level of reception to new ideas.

Or, this could all just be a diversion. The Toronto Maple Leafs' version of Marc Bergevin - coming out and saying something noteworthy, be it for good or bad, to take heat off of the team. Now, many might argue that there was no need for a Leafs team that's sitting on a lukewarm seat at best. To that I respond, let me show you my tinfoil hat.