https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-name-mike-babcock-ninth-head-coach-in-club-history/c-345154864
Stanley Cup, two-time Olympic gold medal-winning coach ranks 12th on the NHL's all-time wins list with 700
This is such a Blue Jackets move. They make it so hard to stay optimistic about their outlook. Finally get some high-end offensive firepower with Laine and Gaudreau, then they hire a guy to scare them away.
I'll play devil's advocate. You job is to hire the best coach you can. There's a coach with Hall of fame credentials available that has shown some problematic issues in the past. When you talk to him he's able to address how he intends to change those previous behaviours and that he's learned the errors of his ways. That's pretty tempting if you are a GM especially if other options are someone unproven or proven to be incapable of winning.
Not saying that I'd hire Babs if it was my job, but I can see how it happened.
Good luck with that. Small chance of success, but also good chance ever player wants to leave asap.
Despite his controversial past and how negatively he impacted the Leafs during his brief tenure, I only wish Babs the best... Hope he will adapt and move forward as it seems he is genuinely trying to do.
There was a good article about him in The Athletic. He has been working with psychology professors on trying to figure out how to change and motivate people differently. It sounds like that he is aware that he can't coach the way he used to. It doesn't excuse his past behavior, but second chances are given to people who do much worse things than he did.
My concern is when things get heated, will he fall back on what he’s always done? Hopefully there’s someone on staff that keeps him in check.
My concern is when things get heated, will he fall back on what he’s always done? Hopefully there’s someone on staff that keeps him in check.