I think Shanahan can potentially look better quicker as I'm not sure the Leafs as a team are as bad as their record and have a good skeleton but need a new coach to change the atmosphere and philosophy of how the team play. Personnel wise, I think you're pretty much stuck with that core for the next few years, as it's going to be impossible to justify another retool to fans.
Linden is better set up in the long run, as he'll hire a new GM and coach who can mould the team as they like. Fans want a retool, and there are some very good assets there that can be converted into the younger players and picks(Kesler and Edler) and speed up that rebuild. They have some good young pieces already that they can bring up and bed in with some veteran players. Honestly, if they get it right they shouldn't be out of the playoffs for more than 2 years as two top 10 selections(assuming they're not great next year either) and the trade pieces they have should allow them to turnover that roster quickly. Additionally, as poorly as Gillis did with Schneider and Luongo, two down years will allow them to see what they have with Lack and Markstrom - if one of them pans out they have their number 1 goalie which can't be understated for a young team.
|