Kyle Dubas Credits Unlikely Source For Turning the Maple Leafs Into a Perennial Contender

Former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock is as controversial as they come with how he handled his business with some of his players. However, even through all that, his coaching success can't go unnoticed, at least according to Kyle Dubas.

Dubas, who was Toronto's GM between 2018 and 2023, had the pleasure of being in charge while Babcock was behind the bench for parts of 2 seasons before he was ultimately let go.

The Leafs had been on a miserable run since the end of the 2003-04 season, having made the playoffs just one time upon Babcock's arrival, which was in 2012-13. In his first season behind the bench, the Leafs faltered to a 29-42-11 record but bounced back with 3 straight playoff appearances under his guide, despite being in a rebuild.

That is why Dubas credits the controversial coach for the Leafs success that has been in place since 2016-17. Toronto owns the longest active postseason streak at 9 straight seasons and Dubas pins it back to Babcock.

Granted, the Leafs weren't able to get out of the first round until 2023 but after going 10 of 11 seasons, which included a run of 7 straight years, without even making the playoffs, Babcock was essentially able to do the impossible with a very young and inexperienced team.

As Dubas mentions, he brought a level of accountability and work ethic that was required, despite utilizing some unpopular techniques. The Leafs have been a perennial playoff contender since and he played a key role when they needed it the most.