The Maple Leafs may be a unique experience, but it's something other franchises should aspire to when it comes to fanbase, interest and overall health of an NHL franchise.
New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe caused quite the stir when speaking to the Toronto Star's Kevin McGran about his experience of coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs.
One particular quote stood out:
"I’ve had a number of well-established coaches in the league reach out to say that I should be happy now that I get to coach in the real NHL,' he said. "Toronto is quite unique … it’s not like the rest of the league."
It's clear that Keefe did not mean anything negative by those comments as he has repeatedly stated that he enjoyed his five seasons coaching the Leafs. But there's no question that being the head coach of the Leafs can be a bit of a meat grinder. And there is a perception from other staff that the Toronto market can be a bit much.
The 'Real NHL' as Keefe's peers describe it. is loaded with franchises that don't often get the top coverage in their markets with leagues like the NFL and others competing for higher billing in terms of interest. While in Toronto, coverage of the Maple Leafs still receives top billing.
Would the other NHL markets like New Jersey aspire to have the financial wealth and stability attention that comes with being the top act in the market? The answer is undoubtedly yes.
There's no question that having a high-profile hockey job in a Canadian market comes with more responsibility. Outside of the players bound by a salary cap, there is no such restriction when it comes to front-office staff. It's why a financially wealthy club like the Leafs can flex their muscle and help set record-setting benchmarks like they did with Mike Babcock's 8-year, $50 million contract for head coaches back in 2015. This was a move seen by many that helped set a new standard for head coach's compensation throughout the NHL.
The health and wealth of the Maple Leafs have helped support other markets through avenues like revenue sharing while helping prop up the salary cap, it can often be overlooked by some who go through the grind daily that the grass may be greener on the other side elsewhere.
The Maple Leafs market may not be for everybody. It's filled with a fanbase that is itching for a championship that has eluded the club since 1967. It adds to the stress. But from a business and fan interest standpoint, it's what the other franchises around the league would want from a prosperity standpoint.
The rewards are still highest for anyone on staff who gets the club to Stanley Cup, whenever possible.
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