Except in this instance there's no media outlet in Toronto claiming that Babcock is a savior. Quite the opposite, almost universally it's being said it's a great move hiring Babcock but the Leafs are still years away from being any good and it'll be a painful process. You'll always get the typical "Joe from the 'bridge" type fan who thinks the Leafs can win the Cup every year, but that goes for any fanbase. I think the Toronto media has been fairly realistic with this hiring.
I don't see how this has become a "gong show", it's huge news and is being reported accordingly. Any market that signed him would have had their local radio, tv and newsprint running story after story about him as well.