Mike Babcock to Maple Leafs: Takeaways from Coach's 1st Press Conference

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a huge splash in landing a new head coach, reportedly signing Mike Babcock to an eight-year, $50 million deal Wednesday, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.   

Babcock, who spent the last 10 years as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and won a Stanley Cup title in 2008, has his work cut out for him. The 52-year-old had his introductory press conference Thursday with the Maple Leafs, admitting nerves got to him prior to speaking, per James Mirtle of the Toronto Globe and Mail:

He also spoke of the move as a "leap of faith," via Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.

As far as what Maple Leafs players can expect from their new head coach, Babcock said he's not expecting an easy path to success, per Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star:

Expanding on that point, Babcock talked about making sure each player on the team is accountable for what he does, per Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun:

The Maple Leafs definitely need a change in philosophy, as they missed the playoffs in nine of the last 10 years and won just 30 games in 2014-15. Babcock's run of success in Detroit and tough-minded approach will make Toronto more intimidating than it has been in a long time. 

Actor and noted Maple Leafs fan Will Arnett provided a quote from Babcock that will be music to the ears of all fans in Toronto:

I'm sure the Montreal Canadiens and their 24 Stanley Cup titles don't appreciate someone saying Toronto is Canada's team, but Babcock has to make an impression right out of the gate to prove things can turn around for the Maple Leafs. 

Forget winning a Stanley Cup; it's been years since the Maple Leafs have been relevant in the NHL. That's the worst thing to say about any franchise, especially one that has a huge, passionate fanbase starved for success. 

Babcock understands the challenge ahead of him, noting that it's "going to be a long process," per Sportsnet Canada:

The former Red Wings head man expanded on those thoughts, via Stephen Whyno of the Canadian Press:

The head coach also spoke about his expectations, saying, "I didn't come here to make the playoffs, I came here to be involved in a Cup process," via Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

Patience is a hard thing to preach for a franchise that hasn't seen much success lately. But Babcock also has to be realistic in examining where Toronto's roster is right now. Rebuilding can be painful to watch, but it's a necessary step if a team remains stuck in a certain position. 

The Maple Leafs have paid Babcock a substantial sum of money, more than any coach in NHL history, per Hemal Jhaveri of For the Win, so they believe in the program he brings with him. His coaching resume, dating back to his time with Anaheim in the early 2000s, suggests he can handle the task.