Babcock On Leaving Detroit: 'This Was A Hard Decision'
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - New Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock started his introductory press conference Thursday by thanking the Detroit Red Wings and specifically general manager Ken Holland for "an unbelievable 10 years."
Babcock declined to re-sign with the Red Wings, opting instead to accept a reported eight-year, $50 million offer from the Maple Leafs. Detroit's final offer was reported to be $20 million over five years.
"This was a hard decision," Babcock said.
The coach met with Holland one more time Wednesday, and Babcock described the encounter as difficult.
"It was very emotional," Babcock said. "I had to get the Kleenex box out when I sat in his office."
Early on Wednesday, it appeared Babcock would either return to Detroit or go to the Buffalo Sabres. Two questions directed at Babcock during his press conference suggested the coach simply used the Sabres for leverage, leading them on and even telling them he would take the job.
Babcock essentially denied those allegations, saying that although he and the Sabres certainly discussed money, he was straightforward with them.
"That 'lying' word's an interesting word for me," Babcock said. "I don't think that goes anywhere near who I am or what I'm about."
Another reporter questioned how a coach could live up to a contract like the one Babcock received. Babcock answered rather than letting team president Brendan Shanahan speak on the matter.
"The contract is simply a commitment from the Maple Leafs to success," Babcock said. "I understand totally they're committed to the process."
The process could be quite a struggle. The Maple Leafs have made the playoffs only once in the past 10 seasons. Babcock acknowledged that while he and Shanahan have a plan, there is no quick fix.
"If you think there's no pain coming, there's pain coming," Babcock said.
"It's going to be a massive, massive challenge," Babcock added later.
Evidently, however, it is one the coach wants to take on.
"This is Canada's team," Babcock said. "We need to put Canada's team back on the map."
