All articles tagged with #mike babcock
Edmonton Oilers name D.J. Smith as Associate Coach under Mike Babcock, reuniting with Babcock after Smith’s stint as interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings (11-6-6 from March 1 through the end of the 2025-26 season). Smith has a long coaching résumé, including Ottawa Senators head coach and earlier roles with the Windsor Spitfires and Oshawa Generals, and began his NHL coaching career with Babcock in Toronto in 2015.
Edmonton named Mike Babcock the Oilers' 19th head coach. The 63-year-old brings a storied NHL résumé including a 700-418-183 regular-season record over 17 seasons and 1,301 games, plus 164 postseason appearances (90-74); his achievements include a 2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit and Olympic golds in 2010 and 2014, with prior stops in Anaheim, Detroit, and Toronto.
The NHL completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus and determined there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the league.
The NHL concluded there is no current basis to restrict Mike Babcock’s employment after reviewing his Columbus tenure, clearing the way for Edmonton to hire him to replace Kris Knoblauch; the probe, prompted by Oilers’ interest, included Zoom interviews with players from Babcock’s brief 78-day stint with Columbus in 2023.
The NHL will investigate Mike Babcock’s brief Columbus tenure after the NHL Players’ Association informed the Oilers it wants a review before approving a potential hire. The probe will involve interviewing former Blue Jackets players and has no set timeline, and would proceed even if Babcock remains interested. The NHLPA’s involvement stems from past allegations that he asked players to share personal photos on their phones. The Oilers, seeking a replacement for Kris Knoblauch, point to Babcock’s NHL pedigree—2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit and Olympic gold with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014—as potentially relevant to their coaching search.
Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach Mike Babcock and center Boone Jenner have released statements addressing comments made on a hockey podcast. Babcock clarified that the meetings where he asked players to share family pictures were meant to foster a better understanding of each other, while Jenner expressed disappointment at the misrepresentation of the meetings, stating that it was a positive way to build a relationship.
Mike Babcock, the newly appointed coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, addressed his controversial past during his introductory press conference, emphasizing his personal growth and commitment to becoming a better coach and communicator. Babcock acknowledged the need to adapt his intense coaching style and develop individualized communication plans with each player on the team. Despite skepticism from fans and players, Babcock aims to bring enthusiasm, work ethic, and honesty to the Blue Jackets organization, as they look to improve their performance after a challenging season.
After being let go by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Babcock, the only coach in hockey history to win a Stanley Cup, Olympic gold medal, World Cup, World Championship, and World Junior Championship, found joy in coaching college hockey and working with his son at the University of Saskatchewan. However, his retirement proclamation was revisited as he continued his coaching career with the Ottawa Senators and ultimately accepted the head coaching position with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Babcock, known for his success and international accomplishments, is excited to work with the young talent in Columbus and aims to bring success to the loyal fanbase.
Mike Babcock has been hired as the new coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, replacing Brad Larsen. This marks Babcock's return to coaching in the NHL after a two-year hiatus. He received a two-year contract and expressed excitement about working with the team's young players. Babcock has an impressive coaching record, including 700 wins and a Stanley Cup victory with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008. The Blue Jackets hope that Babcock's experience and leadership will help improve the team's performance after a disappointing season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to officially introduce Mike Babcock as their new coach, making him the highest-paid coach in franchise history with a two-year, $4 million per season contract. Babcock's hiring has been met with mixed reactions due to allegations of verbal and emotional abuse by former players. The Blue Jackets are also optimistic about signing first-round draft pick Adam Fantilli, who they believe is ready to play in the NHL immediately. With Fantilli in the mix, the team may need to make roster adjustments during free agency. Additionally, restricted free agents Tim Berni and Marcus Bjork have been re-signed, and the Blue Jackets are preparing for their annual development camp.
Mike Babcock has returned to the NHL as the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets after nearly four years out of a pro job. Babcock, who won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, expressed confidence in his evolution as a coach and his readiness to adjust to modern players. The Blue Jackets hope that Babcock's experience and coaching achievements will help the team become a contender again in the Eastern Conference. Babcock's reputation took a hit in recent years due to stories about his coaching techniques, but he claims to have learned from his time away from the NHL and is focused on effective communication with his players.
Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Commodore criticized the Columbus Blue Jackets for hiring Mike Babcock as their head coach, citing Babcock's history of personal attacks on players. Commodore played for Babcock during the 2011-12 season and has been a consistent critic of the coach. He expressed disappointment but not surprise at the hiring and called Babcock a bully who is unlikely to have changed.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly set to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach once his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires at the end of this month. Babcock, who coached the Detroit Red Wings to their most recent Stanley Cup championship in 2008, has been accused of verbally abusing players in the past. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings will have $2.625 million of dead cap space in the upcoming season due to the Jakub Vrana trade, and the Boston Bruins are trying to figure out a solution to keep Tyler Bertuzzi despite their current cap outlook.
Mike Babcock is reportedly set to become the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, with an announcement expected after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires at the end of June. Babcock has previously coached the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks, and has won the Stanley Cup and Olympic Gold with Team Canada. However, his reputation has been marred by reports of abusive behavior towards players. The Blue Jackets fired their previous head coach, Brad Larsen, in April after two seasons.
Mike Babcock is expected to become the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to an NHL source. Babcock last coached the Toronto Maple Leafs for five seasons before being fired in November 2019. The Blue Jackets are still finalizing the details of the deal, but their previous coach, Brad Larsen, was fired in April after two seasons. Babcock has coached 1,301 games in the NHL with the Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.