Babcock says he'll stay an additional 2 seasons because team will be 'that good'

Mike Babcock has a 10-year plan.

When asked after his 1000th game if he plans to hang around long enough to coach another 1000, the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach provided this tasty nugget, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

"I've got this year and seven more here. And then I'm going to stay for two more because the team's going to be that good."

That's sweet, sweet music to the ears of long-suffering Leafs fans, who saw Toronto eke out a 3-2 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.

And unfortunately, inch a little further away from the prospect that could help fulfill Babcock's prophecy: Auston Matthews.