Haven't been listening to NHL Network Radio this morning, so I was wondering what kinds of estimates the locals are making on Lou's new contract. I don't believe there's a cap on salaries to Staff, so it's not like everything is committed to Babcock 
I'm initially wondering if they're paying Lou the same $6 million+ a year; I mean, why would he settle for anything less if Shanny wanted him (apparently) so badly ?? If so, $12 million + for a coach and GM would be a lot of money for anyone.....even someone like the Yankees or Dodgers.
Anyway, while I agree he has a nice look.....and that's got value for the Leafs (and Shanny).....I myself am hardly convinced he's any kind of savior. Granted, he's got the great resume.....but the more-than-anything-else accidental Cup run a couple years ago aside.....I assume it's already been beaten to death in town that he really hasn't proven much in the Cap era. And his backers seems strangely unwilling to acknowledge how much of his success in Jersey was really tied to one guy; who was one of the greats, played forever at the most important position on the ice, and absolutely never got hurt.
OTOH, this will be the first time maybe ever than he's got an open checkbook everywhere else beyond salaries, and I suspect that counts for something. Of course, if Kessel wasn't a Babcock kind-of guy, you know better than me he sure as hell was never going to be a Lamoriello kind-of guy. Which means even someone like myself in Cincinnati can see this was in the works for some time.
I assume Ray Shero was fully aware Lou was leaving when signing his contract. In fact, maybe the reason Jersey moved him out of the GM spot in the first place....a way better job in most organizations (especially for a hockey guy) than President..... was because Lou told them months ago he was done (and possibly already talking to the Leafs). Which freed Shero.....who never struck me as the kind of guy who'd like an ex-GM like Lou peering over his shoulder at his every move....to be offered (and accept) a job which to me initially appeared to be a bit of a strange fit.
BTW, had it occurred to you how much this move looks like Rutherford-to-Pittsburgh last season ?? Obviously, Lou has gallons more juice; but GMJR had a very similar (if not necessarily comparable) history with the Canes, and his departure was a virtually equal surprise. It also seems pretty clear Lou didn't like his new front-office job anymore than Rutherford liked his after being moved out of the GM's chair in Raleigh.
One more thing; how long is everyone locally figuring this 73 year old can (or will) be around the ACC ?? Is it currently being assumed he'll simply die at his desk ??
I'm initially wondering if they're paying Lou the same $6 million+ a year; I mean, why would he settle for anything less if Shanny wanted him (apparently) so badly ?? If so, $12 million + for a coach and GM would be a lot of money for anyone.....even someone like the Yankees or Dodgers.
Anyway, while I agree he has a nice look.....and that's got value for the Leafs (and Shanny).....I myself am hardly convinced he's any kind of savior. Granted, he's got the great resume.....but the more-than-anything-else accidental Cup run a couple years ago aside.....I assume it's already been beaten to death in town that he really hasn't proven much in the Cap era. And his backers seems strangely unwilling to acknowledge how much of his success in Jersey was really tied to one guy; who was one of the greats, played forever at the most important position on the ice, and absolutely never got hurt.
OTOH, this will be the first time maybe ever than he's got an open checkbook everywhere else beyond salaries, and I suspect that counts for something. Of course, if Kessel wasn't a Babcock kind-of guy, you know better than me he sure as hell was never going to be a Lamoriello kind-of guy. Which means even someone like myself in Cincinnati can see this was in the works for some time.
I assume Ray Shero was fully aware Lou was leaving when signing his contract. In fact, maybe the reason Jersey moved him out of the GM spot in the first place....a way better job in most organizations (especially for a hockey guy) than President..... was because Lou told them months ago he was done (and possibly already talking to the Leafs). Which freed Shero.....who never struck me as the kind of guy who'd like an ex-GM like Lou peering over his shoulder at his every move....to be offered (and accept) a job which to me initially appeared to be a bit of a strange fit.
BTW, had it occurred to you how much this move looks like Rutherford-to-Pittsburgh last season ?? Obviously, Lou has gallons more juice; but GMJR had a very similar (if not necessarily comparable) history with the Canes, and his departure was a virtually equal surprise. It also seems pretty clear Lou didn't like his new front-office job anymore than Rutherford liked his after being moved out of the GM's chair in Raleigh.
One more thing; how long is everyone locally figuring this 73 year old can (or will) be around the ACC ?? Is it currently being assumed he'll simply die at his desk ??
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