Star Newcomers: Mike Babcock and Phil Kessel

star newcomers: Phil Kessel, the team long-time game-breaker, was beginning his year in Pittsburgh after a summertime trade that was at the heart of an ongoing reconstruction project, according to Toronto Star. Dion Phaneuf, the miscast captain, was receding into the background as he awaited a trade that would ship him to Ottawa a few months later. Order this photo By Dave Feschuk Sports Columnist Sat., Oct. 8, 2016 A year ago in Leafland, as the curtain was lifted on the 99th season in franchise history, nobody was expecting much of a show. And the star newcomers happened to both wear suits. And Mike Babcock, the team new coach, was stepping behind the bench after signing an eight-year deal worth $50 million that was the richest in the history of the sport. Lou Lamoriello, inserted as general manager in a surprising summertime hiring after 28 years in New Jersey, was making headlines for his old-school insistence on clean haircuts and no facial hair. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.