NHL Head Coach Puts in His Resignation After Controversial Uproar in Ohio

The NHL coach’s swift exit stuns the world! The relationship between the Ohio Columbus Blue Jackets and their coach, Mike Babcock, has turned bitter, leading to his resignation. Previously, he had hit headlines after being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in November 2019. Within just two months of his appointment in the coaching position, the team announced his departure. 

The resignation is the aftermath of the investigation conducted by the NHL Players’ Association on his conduct. Let us delve into this article to find out the root cause that led to this sudden change in the NHL coaching landscape. 

The allegations brought against NHL Coach Babcock and the fallout

The controversy and the event that led to Babcock’s resignation centers around the alleged exercise in which he asked players to show him their phone sharing their photos. Following this, it is claimed that he continued to display the content in his office via Airplay. Among the players, the Blue Jackets captain, Boone Jenner, was asked to show his personal photos.  

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Although, Jenner and Babcock tried to downplay the severity of the event while Johnny Gaudreau quickly defended the coach, the controversy eventually led to Babcock’s resignation. The general manager of the team, Jarmo Kekalainen, said in a statement about the resignation, “This was a difficult decision on everyone’s part, but one we felt necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team’s upcoming season.” Babcock, although expressed disappointment at not being able to coach the team and complete the work he had started, wished the organization well for outstanding performance in the upcoming season. 

Babcock’s tarnished legacy led to NHLPA’s involvement

His resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets marks a significant moment in Babcock’s career. Once viewed as a respected figure, renowned for his master tactics in hockey, this controversy resulted in Columbus’s ownership expressing tremendous frustration. However, Babcock expressed his recognition of his presence becoming a distraction for the team. As a result of this, his stepping away was in the best interest of the team.

His resignation drew to a close his successful and long coaching career adorned with 700 career wins. Babcock accomplishes recommendable victory by securing the 12th rank in NHL coaching victories.

Marty Walsh, the executive director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) had arranged an elaborate meeting with the Blue Jackets players. The outcome of the joint meeting between the NHL and NHLPA led to the announcement of the name of Pascal Vincent as Babcock’s replacement.    

As the Columbus Blue Jackets embark on a new chapter of their journey with Pascal taking over, the NHL reflects on the cruciality of a positive and respectful coaching environment. Professional sports must exercise healthy boundaries between players and coaches to avoid such controversies. 

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