from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star,

The Leafs are about to truly take centre stage in this city, and the hope is that this team’s high-end youngsters will be able to handle all that’s going to be coming at them. Well, it’s up to Babcock to make sure they do.

This is the year when Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Morgan Rielly et al need to consistently demonstrate that a commitment to a total team game is now a must if you want to get regular ice time with this hockey club. Draft pick Carl Grundstrom arrives from Sweden, ostensibly to skate for the Marlies. He needs to see the correct attitude from those young players already with the big club. Timothy Liljegren, the team’s top pick last June, needs to get the right message early and often.

Patrick Marleau arrives, turning 38 on Sept. 15, and there are few more consistent, committed players in the league than Marleau. But it’s Babcock, with Lamoriello’s backing, who needs to lay the hammer down early and often with this group of youngsters, some of whom will have spent the summer months being told how great they are by friends, family and well-wishers.

Maybe they’ve diligently gone about their off-season workout regimen, maybe they haven’t. It’s not easy to stay focussed while being adored. The subject of the millions of dollars that await Matthews, Marner and Nylander, meanwhile, is already a constant subject of discussion, and who could blame those young men if they are convinced goals will get them that money more than backchecking or shot-blocking.

more