The NHL offseason is always an exciting time for hockey fans as teams look to make changes and improve their rosters. One of the biggest changes that can be made is hiring a new head coach. This year, two notable coaching moves have been made: the Calgary Flames promoting Ryan Huska and the Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly having Mike Babcock at the top of their wish list.
Ryan Huska has been with the Flames organization since 2014, serving as the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat, for the past four seasons. During his time with the Heat, Huska led the team to a 135-111-30 record and three playoff appearances. He also served as an assistant coach with the Flames during the 2018-19 season.
Huska’s promotion to assistant coach with the Flames is a natural progression for him within the organization. He has a strong track record of developing young players in the AHL and has been praised for his ability to communicate effectively with his players. The Flames will hope that Huska can bring his success in the AHL to the NHL level and help them improve on their disappointing 2020-21 season.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly targeting former Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock as their top choice for their vacant head coaching position. Babcock has been out of coaching since being fired by the Maple Leafs in 2019, but he has a long and successful coaching career in the NHL.
Babcock has won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008 and has also coached Team Canada to two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup of Hockey championship. He is known for his strict coaching style and attention to detail, which has led to success at every level he has coached.
If Babcock were to be hired by the Blue Jackets, he would inherit a team that has struggled in recent years. The Blue Jackets finished last in the Central Division in 2020-21 and have missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons. Babcock’s experience and coaching style could be just what the team needs to turn things around.
Overall, the coaching carousel in the NHL is always an interesting aspect of the offseason. The Flames promoting Ryan Huska and the Blue Jackets targeting Mike Babcock are just two examples of the many coaching changes that will occur this summer. Fans will have to wait and see how these moves play out and if they lead to success for their respective teams.
