***

Marian Hossa will be well within my bust territory for the 2015-16 season.

His 0.74 points per game this year were his lowest total since the 1999-00 season, and he’ll turn 37 midseason. He has also lost a step, according to my eye test.

Either his shiftiness or puck skills are holding him back in one-on-one situations, and he is no longer the threat off the rush he once was. Plus, as he ages and loses steps, his defensive abilities will be leaned on more predominantly.

It may not be a drastic regression next season, but unless you’re adding him well into the middle rounds of drafts, there is no upside. He only scored 22 goals this season, after all.

Plus, expect a revamped Blackhawks lineup due to their potential cap issues. Hossa isn’t a fixture on their No. 1 power-play unit, either.

This isn’t to say Hossa should be avoided at all costs, because health permitting, 50 points with solid peripheral stats are a lock. Instead, note that it is ill-advised to chase past production unless it comes at a discount, and this is more important with seasoned vets.

Fantasy sports are all about maximizing your upside while mitigating your risks. There will come a point in every draft where Hossa’s value can be a security blanket to compensate for earlier risky selections or create an opportunity to chase potential late-round difference makers.

It is usually foolish to compare teams, but the Blackhawks could have a fallback season similar to the 2014-15 Boston Bruins next year, although, it will likely be less drastic.

***

My Mike Babcock to Toronto silence breaks here.

The most interesting Babcock quote in my books was his, “There is pain coming.”

Really?

Where have you been, bud?

As a Leafs fan, I’m going to take this opportunity to share my thoughts.

Infrastructure is important, and there shouldn’t be organizational road bumps going forward. Everything suggests there is a unified plan and process. This is important.

It is important because there are no false impressions which can lead to unrealistic expectations. Patience has been prescribed.

So, where and when Babcock has a substantial difference is somewhat irrelevant at this stage. He has taken his retirement position in the Mecca of hockey, and after a lengthy coaching career, he has advanced the profession to a new level financially.

$50 million clams and an empty nest … this was a career and life decision first and foremost. Don’t fool yourself into thinking otherwise.

Hockey wasn’t part of the equation, and it had little to do with the decision process, because Babcock knows nothing before his tenure as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ head coach matters to his legacy.

The fans aren’t going anywhere, and the “cup process” for “Canada’s team” is now under his watch.

Many will suggest the Maple Leafs are inherently doomed, and that is fine.

However, as a Chicago Cubs fan, I suggest you take the time to check out how a proper rebuild with the right front office team can impact a franchise.

#CubbiesIn2017