The NHL offseason is always an exciting time for hockey fans, as teams make moves to improve their rosters and coaching staff. One of the biggest storylines this year has been the head coaching changes across the league, with several teams bringing in new faces to lead their squads. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two of the most recent developments: Greg Cronin joining the Anaheim Ducks and Mike Babcock being rumored as a potential hire for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
First up, let’s talk about Greg Cronin. The Ducks announced on July 12th that they had hired Cronin as an assistant coach, joining head coach Dallas Eakins’ staff. Cronin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent over 30 years in coaching at various levels. He most recently served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders from 2018-2021, and prior to that was head coach at Northeastern University, where he led the team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in over two decades.
Cronin’s hiring is seen as a positive move for the Ducks, who struggled last season and missed the playoffs for the third time in four years. Eakins, who was hired as head coach in 2019, has been working to rebuild the team and develop young talent, and Cronin’s experience and expertise should help in that effort. In a statement announcing the hire, Eakins said, “Greg is a tremendous coach who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our staff. He has a proven track record of developing players and teams, and we’re excited to have him join us.”
Now let’s turn our attention to the rumors swirling around Mike Babcock and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Babcock, who has been out of coaching since being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019, is reportedly a top candidate for the Blue Jackets’ vacant head coaching position. The team fired John Tortorella in May after six seasons, and has been searching for a replacement ever since.
Babcock is a highly respected coach in the NHL, with a career record of 700-418-164 over 17 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Maple Leafs. He won the Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008 and has also coached at the international level, leading Team Canada to gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
While Babcock’s track record is impressive, his hiring would not come without controversy. In 2019, former players accused him of verbal abuse and mistreatment during his time in Toronto, leading to a public apology from Babcock. The allegations have raised questions about whether he is fit to lead a team again, and some fans and analysts have called for him to be held accountable for his past behavior.
As of now, it’s unclear whether Babcock will actually be hired by the Blue Jackets or any other team. The team has reportedly interviewed several candidates, including former Arizona Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet and current Dallas Stars assistant coach Todd Nelson. Whoever ends up getting the job will have their work cut out for them, as the Blue Jackets finished last in the Central Division last season and have missed the playoffs in two of the past three years.
In conclusion, the NHL coaching carousel is always an interesting ride, and this offseason is no exception. With Greg Cronin joining the Ducks and Mike Babcock potentially returning to the bench with the Blue Jackets, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as we head into the 2021-22 season. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the offseason continues.
