The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a big move in their coaching staff, as they are reportedly set to hire experienced head coach Mike Babcock. Babcock has had a long and successful career in the NHL, having previously coached the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Anaheim Ducks.
Babcock’s hiring is seen as a major coup for the Blue Jackets, who have struggled in recent years. The team has missed the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, and finished last in the Central Division this past season. With Babcock at the helm, however, there is hope that the team can turn things around.
One of the biggest reasons why Babcock is such a highly-regarded coach is his ability to get the most out of his players. He has a reputation for being tough but fair, and for pushing his players to be their best. This has led to success on the ice, as Babcock has won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings and has taken teams deep into the playoffs on multiple occasions.
Another reason why Babcock is a great fit for the Blue Jackets is his experience working with young players. The team has a number of talented young players on its roster, including Pierre-Luc Dubois, Seth Jones, and Zach Werenski. Babcock has a track record of developing young talent, and could help these players reach their full potential.
Of course, there are also some concerns about Babcock’s hiring. He was fired by the Maple Leafs in 2019 after reports emerged that he had mistreated players. While Babcock has apologized for his behavior, some fans and analysts are still wary of him.
Overall, though, it seems like the Blue Jackets are making a smart move by hiring Babcock. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the team, and could help them turn things around in the coming seasons. It will be interesting to see how he fares in Columbus, and whether he can lead the team to its first-ever Stanley Cup.
