Kyle Dubas, Brendan Shanahan Address Firing Of Mike Babcock | FULL Press Conference

Watch the entire press conference held by the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding the firing of Mike Babcock.
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[@reedallyn1767]

Perhaps Babcock's firing was justified, however Shanahan should have fired Dubas first. He should have been gone a long time ago, he doesn't have a decent handle on what it takes to be a GM. Look at how he's managed contracts. Its been terrible. He's completely out of his element. Nothing is going to change, except the coach.

[@THIS---GUY]

Everything goes through Shanahan and a board of directors.

[@ry4nx]

kyle dubas should be taking some blame here. guy overpaid everyone he's signed and has no grit players on the team. this team would only dominate in a non-contact league lol

[@jefflong8170]

He overpaid Marner. Thats it

[@denimiljak803]

@@jefflong8170 Ok, and what is the plan when Andersen and Rielly contract is up? 60 Million for 6 players? Awesome. Tavares, Marner, Matthews, Rielly, Nylander and Rielly. Good luck with that....

[@denimiljak803]

Some blame? All the blame....Babcock took us to the playoffs 3 seasons in a row with players that were brought by other managers. Now magically with the players and signing this kid has made, he can't. Um okay. All the players he let go.....Kadri, Van R, Zaitsev, McElhinney, Bozak, Gardiner, Brown, Hainsey.....all players that helped us get to the playoffs. I don't care what anyone says about Hainsey, he was a + player every season. Barrie is a -20 every season.....but lets bring him in.

[@barneyblue7355]

Mr. Long only Marner? Wow

[@brandonm5723]

Yes just Marner, probably by 1.5-2m per year. Matthews has 27 points in 23 games (14 Goals) & Nylander’s been good with 17 points and 8 goals on his wing.

[@denimiljak803]

Hey Dubas, when you have a very skilled and gritty player on a Very good contract, maybe you should think about keeping him?! Maybe that would be smart.....talking about Kadri. Just another example of how much of an amateur this guy is.

[@MrJoepeps]

Loved kadri but 4.5 mil on 3rd line and never plays in playoffs played into this.

[@joer8854]

So your way of getting a cup is keep the same team and the same coach and the same problems and enjoy being out in the first round. People like you are the reason half the league figures the leafs will never get anywhere. The fact that you look at a team that was 2 games up on Boston and lost in game 7 looking like they never bothered to show up is not broken is telling. Kadri was more useful in a trade than to the team and he was my favorite player. I hated him leaving but it's what we needed to happen. Kadri is a second line Centre and we don't need one of those.

[@joer8854]

@@icas80 No you make changes and try to improve. Your the one saying they should stagnate and not go anywhere. That's been the Leafs plan for 50 years.

[@mike24819]

4.5 million for Kadri... Sorry that's 2 million too much .. for his 50¢ brain

[@nathanspina1885]

They were stacked in center spot and weak on D so you trade one for a good defensmen it’s a no brainer

[@denimiljak803]

Goalie situation: Kyle fault (no backup, let go of McElhinney) No grit: Kyle fault (signed 0 grit. This is the NHL?) No heart: Kyle fault (example: letting go of Kadri, who was on a very good contract and played with his heart. Signing players that only care about money. Many players in the NHL took a deal for the team) VERY bad cap situation: Kyle fault (4 players, 40 million. Rielly and Anderson contracts coming up) Defense issues: Kyle fault (Tyson Barrie?? For what?? Where did Zaitsev, Hainsey, Gardiner go, Kyle)

[@t.m.l.t.m.l.5399]

Nailed it.

[@iamhamzaamin]

You idiots were the ones crying about Zaitsev, Hainsey and Gardiner now last season. Now the team is doing poorly so you want them back??? Leafs fans are idiots

[@TheKaoTicMaN]

@@iamhamzaamin facts

[@chomsky3997]

It was 75 year old Mac coming off an anomaly year vs an AHL rockstar in Sparks. We know now that Sparks cannot play at the top level but that was the right call at the time

[@rumrich]

Half your old team are Senators. Connor Brown, Tyler Ennis, Zaitsev and Hainsey are all playing decent under Smith.

[@moneyshea1]

This is why Toronto sucks year after year. Blame Babcock. Good enough to win cups and be Team Canada's coach, but not good enough for the Leafs. Why not just bring back John Brophy? When you gonna fire Shanahan?

[@kvetch23]

why didn't he bring his PlayStation controller?

[@M2xim]

lol

[@9090Glenn]

guaranteed if Gilmour was on the team RIGHT NOW - they would be in 1st place in the league and EVERY OVER-PRICED BYTCH on this team would know when DOUGIE looked them in the eye because they did not want to go retrieve the puck in the d-zone or the corner - that the last thing they would ever want to do in their lives again - was NOT go retrieve the puck in the d-zone or corners - they would be so banged up and bruised their a$$es would sag - but they would be winning - GUARANTEED

[@ronbonora7872]

Gilmour never won with the Leafs. His only cup was with Calgary! Keon, Horton, Mahovolich and Kelly to name a few have won multiple cups with the leafs. All these, men, including Gilmour are in the hall of fame!

[@bernardomontesdeoca130]

EVERY OVER-PRICED BYTCH...I'm so using this the moment I need to insult someone.

[@randysgutful]

you're an idiot Glenn.

[@DrunkenGuitarGuy]

Glenn your an idiot!

[@albertvanular433]

Just another delusion Leaf fan.

[@DChappelle27]

Wonder if Shanahan took Dubas out for ice cream afterwards, just to show him he's doing a good job.

[@thelumpenproletariat6393]

Dufas is a white shoe boy born on third base. His (poop) doesn't stink, ya know?

[@ry4nx]

lmao

[@SillySongs4Everyone2001]

What does it say when Shanahan flew out to Arizona to fire Babcock. If not for Andersen where would the leafs be today, if you ask me Shanahan and his entire crew have failed

[@johns1187]

Remember when you were his age? Remember when that jerk made fun of you for being successful?

[@ronbonora7872]

no he would take him to El Paisano Pizza in Mimico! LOL

[@moneyshea1]

Babcock wasn't scoring enough goals I guess.

[@pavelpetrov5972]

Those two next,n playoffs this season

[@SickStuntsBro]

what an idiotic comment

[@Kimchi203010]

LOL

[@rickg5597]

30-28-10 since X-mas 2018 & 25th in point production since Jan. 1 2019.

[@jordanfrancis89]

A rookie GM , now thinks a rookie coach can come into this leaf dressing room and change. the roster is not there and brendan is not taking the blame

[@yoda124]

blame OVI he instigated all of this LOL

[@ScaryRevenant]

OVI-Wan Kenobi definitely, this kid needs to go unfortunately the damage is done . Dubas screwed this team over to build a quality playoff team with depth with the money he handed out like candy

[@blaynestaleypro]

@@OVI-Wan-Kenobi-8 How is it that those same soft teenagers will play for less money on another team? Answer me that? It's a scam. The NHL is against the leafs. They're in cahoots with the agents maybe. But something weird is going on.

[@daylate6364]

I'm shocked ,has he not been watching the same games I've been watching

[@sas99quatch]

Management, coaching can be the 'friction' or they can be the 'grease'. They best system enables players to perform to their best potential. Finding the formula and adjusting for the circumstances is the key to winning.

[@bredbeddledehautdesert4561]

shanahan's eyes widened a bit when kyle said he did this with keefe before. lol like that was new info for him.

[@backy.hut19yt42]

Bredbeddle deHautdesert what’s the time for it lol

[@bredbeddledehautdesert4561]

@@backy.hut19yt42 start @ 7:40

[@bdonaghu]

@@backy.hut19yt42 7:40

[@joer8854]

@@bdonaghu I didn't see that. I saw that he seemed more interested in what he was saying. My guess is it's not something they talked about because for what they had going on at the time it wasn't a priority but it gives Shanahan something to put away for later that he could get more information on. I've seen that look before and had it result in a boss asking my opinion on something he thought my perspective could come in handy on. It doesn't mean anything.

[@Hbmd3E]

because marlies , Toronto Marlies .. Toronto is that "we" as he was explaining what keefe had done before in the organisation,. before that he even said they've hade the biggest fights so they have history.. what comes to fights and also how spesifically Dubas described the team tactics> so coach like; it seems his weaknes could be not giving space to coach and wanting to play coach too much himself. e.g Kekalainen in Columbus said he dont do anything to advice coach " they know what they are doing"

[@joshmccabe9462]

Dubas better make something happen here with helping to get Babcock fired or he will be the next one to go

[@serotoninlight7269]

He definitely will be Gina after those silly contracts he has given out

[@kbinco]

Something about Dubas just does not sit well with me. Shanny is much more confident and poised.

[@NathanPerrott]

Dubas is now on the clock

[@blaynestaleypro]

@Dr. Andrew M. Goodman lol

[@katietoews2223]

You're right Dubas we should blame you and you should be on your way out next. You built your dream blue line that is soft and can't play hard on the body or puck. We have no toughness or grit

[@andygibson6196]

I think Babcock had some issues but geez, he gets basically a whole new team this year with no real help with the D and spends half the payroll on 4 players. I don’t think that’s a good GM move, same with the goalie situation or lack of a back up goalie.

[@red-eagle9668]

@@andygibson6196 Toronto has an excellent backup goalie. What they need is a starting goalie! .. prove me wrong. LOL

[@benlaw6484]

This team can't even get out our own end without turning it over. So easy to talk to talk but when it's time to play, this team can't walk to walk with other teams.

[@Scooterios]

Sportsnet owns part of the leafs, so thats 2 coaches they’ve fired in the last 2 weeks.

[@robyschwendi2856]

Was thinking the same thing😡😠

[@softskullbubblebrain]

Good! They were both wankers!

[@boogyjuggy]

Time to get to work...go get it guys...as for Babs, good, it was time...we went as far as we could go under Babs...thanks for your work , time, and effort Babs...time to move on, get better, move forward...eye on the prize...go get those cups guys...congrats Keefe...now lets get to work, a full 60 min. every game from now on...play hard, fast every shift or sit...big win streak coming up...GO LEAFS GO.

[@michelemorris5589]

LMAO..................LEAFS SUCKING SINCE 1967......PLAY GOLF YOU LOSERS

[@firsthealth9080]

Well dude your enthusiasm is more revealing than your intelligence by suggesting the line ... "go get those CUPS guys", who do you think your team is The Blackhawks or Penguins?? Your Leaf nation has been drinking tainted kool aid for over half a century, if the Lumps win 1 cup in the next 10 years consider yourself as fortunate as a Lotto Winner, more lucky than deserving! LOL :)

[@boogyjuggy]

@@firsthealth9080 lolllllllllllllllll, feel better now?, lollllllllllll

[@boogyjuggy]

@@michelemorris5589 lollllllllllllll, you clown, lolllllllllllll

[@alexmacfarlane3497]

go get the cup??? lol you might not make playoffs. Leaf fan arrogance fascinates me, Yankee fans, Patriot fans, red sox fan are all arrogant like Leaf fans.... but those fans have a reason to be the Leafs haven't done ANYTHING, where does that come from?

[@Runabout36]

Who is this kid Kyle Dubas? He reminds me of your prime minister. I’m a Detroit fan first, Leafs second. Loved Babcock in Detroit, hated to see him go.

[@alexboon9035]

He had success with a veteran team in Detroit -- left when it was time for a rebuild. In Toronto, he had to develop young stars with diminishing affect.

[@t.m.l.t.m.l.5399]

Unless Dubas gets some players that play with heart and not just for the money, the new coach does not stand a chance. Ovie pointed out the obvious they are not good enough!!! A couple of the players have put money before their team.

[@TruePersianPrince]

You are right on the money!!!

[@Verrrz]

T.M.L. T.M.L. Stop just stop, lol.

[@Swoksar]

@@Verrrz explain your royal highness

[@Verrrz]

Atarxia Babs wants the team to play a style that doesn’t suit the team. Like I’ve said Babs was focused on what the team wasn’t rather then what the team was and that’s an issue. I am not saying Sheldon means cup at all, but what I’m saying is Babs taught the kids some good things, but change was needed and everywhere Sheldons gone success has followed. This team isn’t meant to play the way babs wanted them too. A little analogy that isn’t a very good one, but You can have the best Marathon runners in the world and train them to sprint and they won’t beat the best sprinters in a sprint so why would you put try to change them into something they aren’t or try and get them to become sprinters. It’s not the greatest analogy, but you see what I’m saying or not? The leafs aren’t a team that’s supposed to grind every shift along the boards, they need to be free to do what they want with their skill. Will it work? We don’t know, but it’s worth a shot Royal Highness has spoken, thank you.

[@Swoksar]

@@Verrrz praise the lord. What I expect from royalty. Depending on the results within the month, some player changes may be needed.

[@robyschwendi2856]

Send all the Leafs to Seattle! Including Dubas!!! We will take the draft next year!!! Maybe we will be so lucky as Vegas!!! And maybe even win the Cup in the first year!!!

[@noneofyourbusinessfuckers8925]

Well Dubas you had better hope this works, the Leafs are completely your baby now. If they miss the plays offs expect to be job hunting.

[@dangerfield85]

That's what you took away from Shanny supporting the decision and then pouring cold water on the "bullet" comment?

[@ronbonora7872]

I agree!

[@farzadinam8339]

If they even make the playoffs and dont make it out the first round id still say hes fired

[@ganarama5726]

@@farzadinam8339 ---- Shanahan should be fired first for firing Lou and let a rookie GM to used up all available salary cap....The reason leafs are at this position because of the back up goalies.... they lost all the games

[@doug2616]

Smartest move Dubas has made so far. Not sure if it came from ownership or Shanny. My guess is ownership.

[@WilliamStewart1]

Roger's corporation doesn't care lol.

[@Roller11111]

Rumor has it that Dubas wanted Babcock gone after the Bruins-Leafs series last year. Bad coaching cost them that series.

[@MrTofy1974]

So....if the blame falls on you.....how do you still have a job Mr. GM 🤨

[@serotoninlight7269]

Great question

[@red-eagle9668]

at about 12:30ish Dubas is basically saying Babcock wasn't playing the system as well as Dubas thought it could be with the players they got. I'll give em ~15 games to see if he's BS himself and us. One question remains why wasn't the defensive assistant coach fired? Defense sucks, it's universal knowledge at this point.

[@9090Glenn]

players did not want to play TEAM defense under Babcock - YOU CANNOT WIN IN THE PLAYOFFS WITHOUT TEAM DEFENSE - period - firewagon hockey that wins in the regular season is LOSER HOCKEY in the playoffs - until this team learns this HARD LESSON - you will NOT win the Cup - PERIOD - they do NOT have buy-in because they are lazy and do not want to learn how to play defensive hockey - expect sh*t going forward - even IF they win a lot in the regular season - 7-5 games - this TEAM CANNOT CONSISTENTLY WIN 2-1 and HOLD a 3rd period lead - period

[@floydthebarber6249]

Leafs were waiting for an excuse to fire Babs. Brass needed to fire him before they won again

[@ScaryRevenant]

I know the league has changed but the leafs need grit in the form of a Wendel Clarke type , Mark Stone would have been a quality player over Nylander now

[@travene1]

They dont look as fluid and as confident with the puck as they did 2 years ago

[@8JFJK8]

Nope, their offense is very predictable. And they get pushed to the outside because they cant grind their way to the net. Always cycling it around the boards then it eventually gets turned over.

[@kosmicwizard]

Big paycheques add a lot of pressure.

[@travene1]

@@8JFJK8 i agree fully with all above. The back pass is played out.

[@8JFJK8]

travene1 Yeah thats annoying too, Nylander just skating super fast one direction, just stopping up, losing all momentum then giving it away. Leafs powerplay in a nutshell.

[@travene1]

@@8JFJK8 its a shame its just so predictable for the opposing teams

[@joeolegario2339]

Ringette team

[@jjRam]

Atta boy boys!

[@ranjodhsidhu9240]

One year ago today

[@Wickard36]

Dubas you need to add grit and character to your lineup. You got the talent, now you got the right coach. You way underestimate the untangibles.

[@barneyblue7355]

That’s where experience was severely lacking and being able negotiate a good contract

[@BOAHEAL]

I really like Kyle dubas, Sabres fan here

[@joer8854]

Yeah it's new blood, new thinking and not the same old boys club trying to recreate 1995. Don't listen to the boomers. (I can't believe i had to use that.) The NHL needs new blood.

[@golf4ubacknine768]

Patience!!!!! No other fan base more patient than leaf fan base .. Players and staff reaching potential lol Don’t think ticket prices , concessions, tv rights have reached that yet either ... What a joke ! 50 years and counting !

[@moneyshea1]

As a Habs fan, I will agree 100% that Leaf fans have been very patient. You guys are the best fans in the league, hands down. Other teams would see a drop in attendance, but you guys keep supporting. I truly hope you win a cup soon, but the management makes it hard to do. Good luck this year, I hope it works out.

[@systemsystemerror4046]

There's a typo that's been perpetuated the B in Dubas is meant to be an F. I liken this GM to a rich kid being given the keys to his Dad's Ferrari, no idea how to handle the power or when to apply it!

[@Javster]

In Some parts Shanahan is like: wtf??!

[@alexmacfarlane3497]

This is so uncomfortable lol. They sound like players in interviews " you know we have to work hard and get better, we need have to be on the same page and play as a team"..... sHuT Up

[@modernmusclecar1904]

You talk about Ryan O riley being tough and gritty. You have nobody even close to him....nobody. Teams know they can do what they want without concern. You team is built they way you operate as GM. Soft..all sizzle znd no steak.

[@dhennessey1970]

And Jesus Shanahan should teach a course on sports management. He really gets it!

[@robyschwendi2856]

Dubas,,, I think? bla, bla I just felt like? bla, bla But? bla, bla Shanahan,,, I don't know? bla, bla I think? bla, bla Or, or? bla, bla The worst ever press conference I have ever seen! Better communication? They can't even really point at one certain thing! This is pathetic!!! A great team without leadership! That's the fact! The team should play the way they want to!!! Forget these two dreamers!!!

[@threethrushes]

Someone made the comment that McDraisaitl on $21m has more points than Marn-Tav-Math-Nyl on $40m. Boy Wonder.

[@joeltowns2424]

Taveras and mariner have been injured And McDavid is obviously best player in the league. So what's your point?

[@Rileylmao_]

McDavid and Draisitl, also play like 5 minutes more per game than Mathews and JT because Babcock doesn’t know how to deploy players correctly.

[@denimiljak803]

For sure man. Wait till Rielly and Anderson contract is up lol

[@threethrushes]

@@joeltowns2424 You must be one of the slow children in class today: Dubas overpaid.

[@barneyblue7355]

Joel Towns Dubas rolled over and overpaid. Pretty simple, not hard to comprehend

[@michaelcanney7218]

A press conference from the most overrated team firing the most overrated coach by the most underqualified qm

[@adamg6849]

dead on brother!!!

[@ericfloyd9917]

True or not, but everybody in that building is getting paid. And paid well I might add. And at least management is trying.

[@ganarama5726]

this is a overrated idiots trying to cover up thinking the fans are idiots.... we the fans are the true idiots following the leafs.... we all should stop watching for a year as a protest....

[@michaelcanney7218]

@@ericfloyd9917 yea , they've been trying for 52 years

[@72mach-1]

By the End of the season Leafs will have another Manager and Coach, this is a Temporary move. You can read it in Shanahans Face.

[@InfiniteHorizons]

This aged well...

[@thobur2661]

Mike Babcock preached almost like a religion , "you go to work every day , dig in and try and get better" over and over he preached those words. He did not coach according to those words. He dug in and would not budge on so many issues i cant name them all , is that "going to work and try and get better everyday" , refusing to change anything ? He signed his own pink slip when he said , for all to see and hear , that if he had young children he would NEVER coach in toronto , nice lol. In the end he was just and arrogant hypocrite and had to go.

[@t.m.l.t.m.l.5399]

Babcock had no choice but to be a baby sitter. You cannot teach greatness you have to have it before anyone can coach it out of you.

[@KC-kq3iv]

Each and one of the player should take long look in mirror and take full responsibility for there action. Little brats.

[@jeremymcdonald3179]

Don't worry Dubas it was all your fault

[@Jonesy1978]

Lou was the man and we were and would be a lot better with him in Toronto. Big mistake shanny. Don't forget Mark Hunter as well. This has gone bad quick without them.

[@THIS---GUY]

Why isn't Hunter the gm of another NHL team by now then?

[@Jonesy1978]

@@THIS---GUY like his brother Dale not coaching in the NHL, I believe that it's his choice. Are you implying that Mark doesn't have the talent to scout in the NHL? Built the farm to win a Calder Cup. Go look up the guys he's recruited as well the London Knights have supplied the NHL with non stop talent and have been a power house since taking over the team.

[@stitch1960]

Mike is and always be a great coach.....But the technical coach is the new coach now....Stats win games too

[@95PoundMole]

LOL, Brendan waiting for that MLS cheque, might as well fire Babcock into the Sun at this point. Dubas fighting harder for it seems.

[@95PoundMole]

Actually, WTF is Brendan Shanahan speaking on any kind of team structure? Both him and Dubas are trash technichinians. MLS think this is the best elected?

[@doug2616]

Go back and watch their last game against Philly and you'll get the whole story.

[@mattheww7846]

Go back and watch the atrocity on Saturday in Pittsburgh

[@CM_Glide]

Just announced Doug Gilmour new head coach of the Marlies. Next in line to coach the big boys.

[@jamesanthony5681]

He hasn't coached in almost 10 years, and his record coaching in junior was < .500.

[@frederickbelak9560]

It's now been shown,that Babcock,was never a Scotty Bowman. Not just in not winning more then one cup,but in that most crucial element respect. You must be tough with players. They must not love you. The greatest coaches are often hated by their players. But elite coaches like Bowman,knew how to go right up to that line,if necessary,but never,ever cross it. To where players do not respect you. When they fear you,even hate you,but know that a coach knows how to get the best out.of them and a team to win it all,they will fight for that coach,to the end,even to prove their wrong. But when they are low down two faced,on steroids abusive,etc and lose the players respect,players no matter what is thrown at them,will just stop playing,for that coach. No.matter what. In that sense,as Scotty one of the greatest coaches in all sports,of all time,in my view knew all along,respect is always the key. Somewhere,along the line,Babcock forgot that,or maybe never learned that in the first place. A coach no matter how great he may think he is,or that the world,fans,media may as well,never is or will be again,when they lose the respect of their players.

[@ericturner9458]

Dubas is the type of general manager that makes his team in an EA game then cries when it doesn't work out

[@sarahlee9979]

Babcock is great coach (strategist). But trying to transform bunch of 'cheetahs' into 'elephants' is the mis-alignment with Dubas. Now, we will see if 'cheetahs' can beat 'elephants' in playoff.

[@cheesemouse7774]

If your highest paid "horses" won't "pay the price", you're probably not getting that Silver Can at the end of the season!

[@dr.loomis4221]

I wonder if Shanahan left the Red Wings after the 05-06 season because of Babcock.

[@nikachimes6675]

How exciting......so looking forward to tonight's game with new coach Sheldon Keefe...🏒✨

[@angrycanadian566]

Youre cute

[@nikachimes6675]

AngryCanadian .....awwww.......😌.......I grew up with hockey as a five year old.....so I just love hockey for hockey......not politically....🏒

[@angrycanadian566]

Ya been a leaf fan my whole life,where you from

[@nikachimes6675]

AngryCanadian ?...Toronto.........and you?

[@angrycanadian566]

Niagara,they need pm on here

[@9090Glenn]

DOUGLAS GILMOUR - GREATEST LEAF - EVER

[@cheesemouse7774]

Truth. 100% agreed!

[@bluenote2412]

You may be too young to have seen Dave Keon play Loved Gilmour though

[@wolfhayley123]

Mats and Doug are the goats

[@iidaemmi]

That's the truth and nothing but the truth. Amen.

[@ronbonora7872]

Keon, Mahovolic, and Kelly was much better then Gilmour. Together they were on 4 leaf teams that won the cup. Gilmour nil. Loved Gilmour but the others are better and in the hall of fame too! LOL

[@tabletopchef]

Mr. Dubas. Your opening comment on developing the players. The NHL is not a development league. If you felt your core group needs further development, you simply do not pay the amount of money you paid your 20-21 year olds. That’s on you.

[@bowriver1]

Harry Potter and the disappearing Coach.

[@andywood5699]

I didn't know that Mike Babcock had such a terrible reputation among players around the league. Belittling players,scratching players because he personally didn't like them?? Hated by 95 % of players who have played under him. These kids couldn't play under him. I wonder if they deliberately shut down not just because they had no respect for him but to get rid of him.

[@ganarama5726]

what is the long run means? We have to get it done sooner. otherwise ???????????????????

[@dunkydog1676]

He seems to young to be a gm

[@BruceC]

Harold Ballard's curse continues to weigh upon the Leafs' fortunes - we don't need a new coach, we don't need new players, we need to exorcise the ghost of Harold Ballard - I want everyone watching and cheering the Leafs, as well as all the players, coaches, management and ownership, to wear, for 7 straight days, 24 hours a day, 12 cloves of garlic, strung on horse hair, around their neck. This is the only way to remove the curse and if they will simply do this, all will be well - Go Leafs Go!

[@Paulafan5]

Those two should have been fired, not Mike. It's a poorly constructed team, much like the Oilers from 5 years ago. Some young offensive talents and no defense. In today's NHL if you can't break out of your own zone you can't win. The players deserve blame too for quitting on Babcock. Yes, they aren't talented enough (defensively) but their effort wasn't their either.

[@johns1187]

We are all armchair GM's. We all are better than Dubas. Where is our press conference?

[@9090Glenn]

you should NEVER EVER NEVER call your "boss" by a nickname - Babcock used to call Dubas "Doobie" - Dubas should NOT NEVER EVER NEVER call Shanahan "Shanny" in public - it shows a lack of respect and if I was Brendan I would bristle each time he used it - Mr Shanahan is ridiculous - Brendan is appropriate

[@KnIfEzZv2]

It shows camaraderie. That’s a stupid opinion.

[@terrenceabate1116]

They always throw the coach etc under the bus!! The organization as a whole is full of rot and until that changes the team will be trash.

[@BayBye2011]

DUBAS should have been the one fired...signing 4 players to 50% of salary cap is ridiculous. where do the players coming off an entry level contract go as TO will want team friendly contracts and they are not going to get them..Dubas has destroyed the team for many years to come..and still no Cup quality Defense and goaltending..gave all the money to forwards???

[@red-eagle9668]

Hey! SPORTSNET ... can you adjust the audio so the video picks up the questions clearly??? This is your business, this is what you do, is it not? *&^%$#

[@davidferguson9673]

Next step get rid of Dubas

[@tomk2708]

Sorry, can someone clarify for me: are we 5 years into the new Shanahan rebuild plan to get the Cup, and we have a GM leading with, "It's going to take some time and require some patience" and that the new coach will have to "continue to develop the players that we have." Is this not a subtle repositioning of the "win now" position into a repackaging of the old "rebuild" message of the last 5 years?! I guess as long as it keeps the hopeful purchasing tickets... And did Shanny really make the statement (4:45-5:15) that the Leafs stack up defensively with the rest of the league based on the "the best defense is a good offense" theory?! Seriously? As a sidenote, I love how Dubas uses the technique of working the personal name of every reporter into his answer when he is responding to questions - smart guy.

[@THIS---GUY]

Our core is locked up long term and they are all young aside from JT. They still need to develop and that does take more time especially with coaching changes.

[@tomk2708]

@@THIS---GUY We disagree on the potential here, but you might be right - debates are what makes sports fun. My point was simply that Leaf fans have seen this movie before - a 5-year plan 5 years later - just ask Brian Burke. Here is some added content from the past - I believe that the first two passages will sound familiar (the third is just for fun): “I do like a lot about this group,” Shanahan said. “From an outsider looking in, there’s some really good pieces that a lot of teams would covet. … You start by looking for ways to improve in small increments, and if you have an opportunity to make improvements, you make them.” - April 2014 New Leafs president Brendan Shanahan was hired with a mandate to remake the team. From very early on, he'd realized that if the club aspired to be a Stanley Cup contender, it required a major overhaul. But he needed the evidence of the season to persuade his employers fully. The offence was among the league's best. The defence was intermittently awful, but adequate to needs. This was the Leafs being as good as they could be. And, just as Mr. Nonis and Mr. Shanahan had suspected, it was unsustainable. After the Leafs' recent slide out of contention, the club's given him that. Then he needed the board to endorse his vision of a barren short term in the interests of a competitive future. In that meeting, he got that as well. Mr. Shanahan and his lieutenants have now finally received a broad mandate from ownership to scorch as much earth as they see fit in order to return the Leafs to contention, according to two sources familiar with that meeting. It will mean a new philosophy on building slowly through the draft and long-term projects, rather than quick fixes via trades for established players. It will mean at least three more years of pain for fans, and as many as five - February 2015 “As for Shanny, we had our issues. There’s no question I’d take Shanny on my team. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had on the ice. He stood up, was a great power forward. The one shot I’d take at Shanny is - you be the judge - if you like politicians, then Shanny’s your guy. If you don’t, well, then you don’t like him. I’ll leave it at that.” - Chris Chelios

[@T4Orick]

@@THIS---GUY Why are they being paid "pro" wages?

[@tisdiraddo]

Cmon boys lets get er going!!!!!!!!

[@sweetloui1510]

I hate this move .....the only guy with balls on this team just got fired

[@NotMyName78]

Babs had all the skill in the world and had them handcuffed to his way. Barrie is a prime example. Plus he has superstars that he seemed to refuse to play 20 minutes a game.

[@slew2108]

Superstars?

[@youdontevenknowme8523]

Finally a sensible comment amongst the sea of boomers calling for Dubas head and for the Leafs to bring back 50/60 year old players.

[@adamg6849]

The answer is - because at some point only the best defensive player may get that 20 min a night average. Your offensive best players have no ability to defend so you cant leave them out for 20 min a night.

[@NotMyName78]

@@slew2108 JT, AM, MM, MR, TB, what more do you want? Or are you just trolling.?

[@jax4256]

now there is no hope for the leafs to win a cup in my lifetime

[@jamesnialG]

None at all

[@douglasthompson9482]

Mike was an outstanding coach....the players and Dubas is to blame. Age and experience plays into this also. People today are far different than they were in the past. Overpaid and under worked....just my thoughts.

[@ganarama5726]

I had great hope on Shanahan and Dubas but Shanahan is trying to put the whole on both the coach and the players....let's see how this is going to evolve

[@ronbonora7872]

yeah, you would too. Shanny wants to save his job!

[@T4Orick]

@@ronbonora7872 Why does he look so sad? Dubas isn't that sad looking. Shanahan looks like he lost his best friend since yesterday's press conference.

[@ronbonora7872]

@@T4Orick It is always hard to dismiss someone you know from a position in the firm you are running!

[@SYNERSTAR]

the players will show their colors in the next month... if Babcock was the problem, then it should turn around pretty quick, like it did for st louis last year ...

[@SYNERSTAR]

I like and agree with a lot of the comments below... the fans know the truth here

[@SEANPAGE9991]

i love Brendan Shanahan for our president for our maple leafs and love Larry Tanenbaum for being the owner of our maple leafs

[@goodpost256]

Only the leafs could blow all those top 10 picks and make a mess. Shanny a good power fwd but not management material. Dubas not qualified. Too much money on 3 forwards. Weak D. No backup. No depth. Doomed

[@blaynestaleypro]

Leafs need players who are from Ontario and care about the team and who want to go out there and HAVE FUN paying. They need to foster a more positive atmosphere... whatever it's all a scam. NHL don't want leafs to win.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Leafs need players who are GOOD, with some size, who can play with some GRIT, who can play some DEFENSIVE hockey, who can TAKE THE BODY from time to time, who can play in the CORNERS, IN FRONT OF THE NET, DOWN LOW, AT BOTH ENDS OF THE ICE. If the current squad can incorporate those aspects into their games, success will follow, the wins will come, and by God, there will be some happy, smiling faces in that Leaf dressing room. After all, isn't that the goal, i.e, to HAVE FUN PLAYING ICE HOCKEY FOR THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS? Frankly, I don't care where they are from. Sweden. USA. Russia. Bobcaygeon. Pefferlaw.

[@blaynestaleypro]

@@jamesanthony5681 actually what would also help would be a guy like avechkin. Amoung his other asssets, he motivated the team, told them he didn't want to f*cken suck this year. That's what we need. Nobody cares it seems. How can anybody not care about the leafs. I don't get it.

[@angrycanadian566]

FIRE NYLANDER TOO,get some defense and players who actually play hard

[@TECTOS]

Number one thing to do......Getting rid of no hit, no block, no going into corners and fighting for the puck, over payed NYLANDER.

[@melp1088]

Remember the Oilers from few yrs back with all skilled forward and no defence, this leafs reminds of them. Dont get me wrong im a leafs fan but the team is to soft. Most of them r floating like a bunch of butterflies in their defensive zone. Everyone is scared of the puck in the D zone but everybody wants it in the offensive zone. Smh. Hope it gets better though. GL boys.

[@kevinmcleod7580]

You know maybe they should of kept Matt Martin and kadri . That way they'd be aggressive and Matt could of stood in there if things got out of hand so to speak . Oilers had the same problem too . You get it . So do I you got to fight for the puck ! A lot !

[@pl6818]

Kevin McLeod oilers didn't have the same problem - they probably had too many tough guys on their roster. JJ Khaira, Milan Lucic, Darnell Nurse, Zack Kassian - all of these guys could throw down. What the Oilers lacked a few years ago was a puck moving defencemen, overall depth on the blue line when Klefbom got injured, shaky goaltending from Cam Talbot and a lack of scoring on the wings.....all compounded by cap hell due to poor financial management mainly due to the Lucic albatross contract.....the problems were multiple. Why they have turned things around this year - Lucics contract got traded away for more scoring depth on the wing in James Neal, Ethan Bear has stepped up to be that puck moving defenceman and in the conversation of Norris Trophy candidate, a new GM and new coach who built a system that looks like players are buying into, more consistent goaltending from Koskinen due to Smith taking odd some of the workload.....ohhhh.....and two people who are having career years named Leon Draisaitl and Connor Mcdavid. Looking at how Edmonton turned things around, I feel like the Leafs on paper have a better team and should be able to turn this season around. Teams generally play very well on the first 10 games after the old coach is fired. It will be the next 10 after that where we will truly see what the Leafs are made of.

[@fe4rxdemon47]

Mel P oilers had the exact opposite problem, everyone could throw a punch but only 3 could shoot a puck.

[@melp1088]

Guys. I was referring to Oilers that had Ryan Nugen hopkins, Eberle, taylor Hall and etc. Those skilled Oiler from several yrs ago. Lol Shouldve made that clear. Heheh my bad

[@pl6818]

Mel P gotcha, that makes more sense now!

[@zachgreen4352]

Now that Kyle has totally taken the team over with the coach that HE hired, let’s see how much longer he lasts as GM.

[@totaldevastation9254]

I hope you realize Kyle did not hire Babcock...? Brendan Shanahan did lmfao......

[@MaryJane-hi7tu]

@@totaldevastation9254 he was talking about keefe you dumb ass!

[@totaldevastation9254]

@@MaryJane-hi7tu For some reason I read fired. That would be my mistake but keep acting hard on the internet lmfao.

[@MaryJane-hi7tu]

@@totaldevastation9254 I know you did. I just had to get at ya. Lol I might be a bit irritated from all this crap.lol

[@zachgreen4352]

Jason Clarke yeah sorry I meant let’s see how he does now that it’s a coach he hired lol

[@MrSoLiDIcEplays]

Take note, Ray Shero.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Well, Kyle Dubas and the players have used up their muliigan. According to a number of Leaf faithful, Mike Babcock was stubborn, would not adapt, and was forcing the players to play the kind of game to which they were not best suited. Well, no more excuses.

[@coltukkor]

Sorry Shanny you don’t get to decide how it works.I realize your trying to take some pressure off of Kyle but this is Infact on him now.Everybody is on a clock including yourself.Fans have the almighty say not upper management.The sooner you realize this the better.

[@joedemers382]

Shanahan please retire Dubas now.

[@davidklassen9452]

Yah If Dudas and Keefe doesn't work out the last 5 years were wasted and Leafs fan that is starting over again !!!

[@myronkroeker6877]

They decided it wasn't fun to actually make the playoffs this year...

[@joedemers382]

We have no grit shanaplan. Wait till the playoffs then you will see what no grit and no goalie gets you.

[@darknessfadestolight4312]

Let's fire Green outta Vancouver and hand these young bucks off to Babs. He's perfect for that scenario.

[@thelumpenproletariat6393]

Babs going to wind up in Seattle

[@thelumpenproletariat6393]

babs going to seattle

[@We_are_the_light]

I should have known better to think the Leafs were going to be contenders. Back under my rock I go.

[@Paulafan5]

They were a good regular season team, but get into a playoff series without a good defensive core and they were exposed.

[@josiahwhitehead7519]

Yeah if micheal Hutchinson just pulled up his freakin socks this would never be happening fck Micheal couldn’t get 2 wins at least would’ve had 26pts right tied with Boston but nooooooooo

[@9090Glenn]

the team will NOT be good - they have too many BAD HABITS - it will take a LONG time to correct their sh*t play - and they do not want to WORK - we need DOUUUGGGGIIIIIIEEEE GILMOUR BACK

[@youdontevenknowme8523]

Ok boomer