New Boss
Posted by Todd on Jan 7, 2015 in Media
Earlier Wednesday in the aftermath of the Randy Carlyle firing, Bovada posted odds on who would become the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Personally I equate being in control of the Leafs to being the captain of the titanic (or managing the Cubs) meaning unrealistic expectations will be heaped on your shoulders just because. However I do understand the allure of being the man to bring a World Series to Chicago or a Cup to Toronto: you simply become a legend. Enough of that talk…onto the gambling.
Here’s the way the board opened so we called in our lead hockey handicapper to break down the field for us
Who will be the next head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Mike Babcock 7/4
Peter DeBoer 3/1
Dan Bylsma 7/2
Dallas Eakins 5/1
Paul MacLean 7/1
Peter Horacek 15/2
Steve Spott 10/1
Todd McLellan 12/1
Mike Babcock (7-4) – Why the hell would he head back to Toronto> Let’s be real, coaching isn’t the reason the Leafs aren’t winning hockey games right now. Last I checked Randy Carlyle won a Stanley Cup in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks. The leafs are losing because of talent and farm system, organization is in complete disarray. Why would Babcock want to go from a classy top shelf organization committed to playing competitive, structured, and responsible hockey? Last I checked the Wings were known for developing talent and drafted to fill needs. Babcock stays in Detroit or goes to Ducks, Pit or possibly San Jose if the Sharks need a change. Personally I believe he’ll stay with the Wings but it would definitely blow my mind if he went to the Leafs…and zero chance I bet him at 7-4.
Peter Horacek (15-2) – There was a reason he was announced as the teams interim head coach. If he was going to be the head coach they would have handed him the reigns initially and let him run with the opportunity. At 15-2 I just don’t think the bet makes a ton of sense and as a result we can also rule out Steve Spott (10-1). Horacek was tabbed interim coach over Spott for a reason leading me to believe there is no shot for Spott to get the full time spot.
Dallas Eakins (5-1) – At 5-1 he would have made sense…if he wasn’t tainted by leaving the organization to coach the Oilers (an experiment that didn’t quite pan out) I just don’t see a scenario where he comes back as the head man right away. He’ll coach again in the NHL that’s for sure but for our betting purposes I’d be pasing here.
Paul Maclean (7-1) – He was fired from Ontario provincial rival Ottawa so don’t see that happening until he gets another job in the league first.
Peter DeBoer (3-1) – I don’t think would be good fit as he has coached more defensive style teams (FLA & NJ) and we saw how the defensive style worked for Carlyle without actual talent on the blue line or consistent goaltending
Dan Bylsma (7-2) – The former headman in Pittsburgh would be my pick for next Leafs’ Coach but since I think he is a good fit I’d imagine Toronto will find something wrong with him. He did a great job with Sid and Malkin, even turning Malkin into a great 2 way player which was no small feat.
Todd McLellan (12-1) – If he’s fired in San Jose, this is the guy that might get a serious look. He was an assistant coach back in 2005 when Shanahan was still playing for the Red Wings. McLellan ran the PP unit and we both know Shanahan was a big part of it…This guy offers serious value in an otherwise dull market.
but the real winner not listed…Marc Crawford: He would be the guy I’d look to bet. Have a feeling his past experience in the league makes a ton of sense. Honestly surprised to not see him priced out anywhere in the prop market.
