The Toronto Maple Leafs shocked the world.
The franchise acquired a new head coach in Mike Babcock on Wednesday, throwing a fortune at the most sought-after bench boss available on the market.
Reports said the team inked Babcock to an eight-year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million, making him the highest-paid coach in the NHL.
Twitter reacted with wide eyes and disbelief when the news broke.
Mike Babcock could probably buy out Dion Phaneuf's contract with his salary.
— Seth Rorabaugh (@emptynetters) May 20, 2015
#Leafs showed Babcock the money. They had to in order to drag him into that quagmire. Good luck to him.
— Derek Van Diest (@SUNdvandiest) May 20, 2015
Well I was wrong on Babcock's destination in roughly 437 radio interviews this season. You will all get your money refunded.
— James Duthie (@tsnjamesduthie) May 20, 2015
MLSE: We’ll give you $5M.
Pegula: So will we.
MLSE: Input on the roster.
Pegula: Us too!
MLSE: Plus every spring off.
Pegula: Wait what?
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) May 20, 2015
Babcock is going to get slaughtered on escrow. Oh, that's right. My mistake. Players pay for coaches. #OwnersLockouts
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) May 20, 2015
Phil Kessel just started doing pushups frantically.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) May 20, 2015
Never dreamed that #Babcock would come here . This is an incredible accomplishment and I tip my hat to #BrendanShanhan humbly :)
— Mark Osborne (@MarkOsborne21) May 20, 2015
Guys, playoffs are over. Leafs just won the cup. (Obviously). #Babcock
— Ryan (Crash) Barton (@Crashola) May 20, 2015
wow babcock sign with toronto. that just shows you he was money hungry. worst decision of his life. he'll be gone in 3 years
— jason (@country_music30) May 20, 2015