| Mike Babcock left Columbus (Photo: Getty Images) |
The 60-year-old professional left the club without playing a single match. The only Triple Gold coach in the history of the sport resigned on Sunday after saying on a podcast last Tuesday that he asked his players to show him their personal photos from their cell phones. Some players defended the coaching legend, but many were surprised that he was interfering in their private lives in this way. The NHL Players Association (NHLPA) has also launched an investigation, but in an increasingly tense situation Mike Babcock He saw fit to leave his position.
He added: “It was a difficult decision for everyone, but we felt it was necessary to continue to focus on the players and the team next season.” He said Jarmo Kekalainen, General Manager of the Blue Jackets. – On behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we would like to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he demonstrated in developing the waiver plan.”
Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHLPA, said their players deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace.
“Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Columbus. The club’s decision to continue with a new coach is the right move.” he added.
Babcock has always had a reputation for being cruel to hockey players, often insulting them and, according to many, trampling on their souls. For example, during his time in Detroit, legend Mike Modano, who was about to retire, was not named after his 1,499th game, so he couldn’t reach the state’s 1,500th mark, but he also didn’t want to play his star teammate. Chris Chelios at the outdoor Winter Classic in his hometown, Chicago, and club management finally stepped in and put him on the frame, but gave the midfielder less than two minutes of ice time.
Babcock was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 20, 2019, and has since worked with college teams. He hoped to return to the NHL one day, but his stint in Columbus ended without a game after nearly two and a half months.
Babcock is 12th on the all-time list with 700 wins. He previously worked for the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit and Toronto for 17 seasons. He won the Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008, as captain of the Canadian national team, was the Olympic champion in 2010 and 2014, and the world champion in 2004. Additionally, in 2016, he helped his country win the World Cup.
The Blus Jackets have already named their successor in the person of Pascal Vincent. The teams begin their training camps this week. Columbus opens the regular season on October 12 when it hosts the Philadelphia Flyers.
