Mike Babcock's controversial legacy: From esteemed coach to NHL outcast
Mike Babcock's journey through the NHL has been nothing short of dramatic.
Once hailed as one of the league's top coaches, his career now leaves a more controversial legacy, marred by unsettling behaviors towards players. Babcock's trajectory took a nosedive following his dismissal from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and since then, a cascade of troubling accounts from his former players has come to light.
Babcock's career faced a severe setback after the Toronto episode, but he briefly resurfaced with the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, his tenure was cut short even before the season started, due to a shocking incident where he requested access to players' phones. This move was the final straw, seemingly sealing his fate away from the NHL indefinitely.
More former players have started sharing their experiences, illustrating a pattern of questionable behavior by Babcock. One notable incident involves former Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, who recently spoke out on the Cam and Strick Podcast. Howard recounted a particularly disrespectful moment when Babcock undermined his Rookie of the Year candidacy in front of the press, openly favoring Tyler Myers instead. Howard's reaction was marked by disbelief and frustration, as he commented,
Despite the emotional toll, Howard has maintained a good spirit about the ordeal, especially in light of Babcock's subsequent downfall. During the 2009-10 NHL season, Howard had an impressive run with 37 wins and a .924 save percentage, making him a strong contender for the Calder Trophy, which ultimately went to Myers.
Babcock's exit signifies a broader cultural shift within NHL coaching circles. The old-school, authoritarian style that once dominated is increasingly seen as incompatible with modern professional environments. Today, the emphasis is on respect and constructive communication, steering clear of the punitive and manipulative tactics that characterized Babcock's later years.
As the NHL continues to evolve, the focus is firmly on fostering environments where respect and professionalism prevail, signaling an end to the era of coaches like Mike Babcock who employ outdated and often harsh methods. The league, its players, and the fans look forward to a new chapter where such behaviors are left firmly in the past.
Source: Cam and Strick Podcast Mike Babcock «voted» against his own goalie to win rookie of the year
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6 AOUT | 34 ANSWERS Mike Babcock's controversial legacy: From esteemed coach to NHL outcast Is Mike Babcock considered to be a good coach? | ||
| Yes, good coach | 10 | 29.4 % |
| No, lucky | 7 | 20.6 % |
| Good coach, crazy guy | 15 | 44.1 % |
| See Results | 2 | 5.9 % |
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