Before even Michael (Mike) Babcock’s first practice, the Blue Jackets’ new head coach stepped down (ESPN). This hire in the off-season could have been the dumbest decision by the Jackets ever. The Jackets hired a coach who has been notorious for playing mind games with young players and ruining their careers.
This Jackets team has such a young core that this should have been a red flag right away. The Jackets recently had the third overall pick in the 2023 draft and picked a young center Adam Fantilli. Fantilli is a generational talent who would be a first-overall pick in any other draft. Fantilli was originally thought to be the second overall pick until the Anaheim Ducks passed on him. Letting him fall right into the Jacket’s hands.
In a short time, Babcock has already come under fire by the public. It was revealed on a podcast that he asked to go through his player’s phones. It was revealed that the situation made some of the young Blue Jackets players uncomfortable. The NHLPA (National Hockey League Players Association) is investigating this and nothing further has been said about it at this time.
This is something that isn’t surprising when looking at his past. A former Detroit Red Wing called Babcock the worst person he ever met (Detroit Free Press).
Given that there was proof of him messing with young players specifically he should not have been the choice for this young Jackets team.
The public knew it was a bad idea when the Jackets announced that Babcock was the new head coach. Although the Jackets needed a new head coach after a terrible season last year. They should have known that someone other than Babcock was the correct person for the job.
The Jackets have since hired a new head coach Pascal Vincent. Vincent has been an assistant coach for the Jackets since 2021 (NHL). Vincent is hoping to bring a new era to the Jackets with a team that should do well this season given their roster, as it contains many players that average multiple points per game.
The real question is whether the Jackets can live up to their expectations this year.
