Columbus has spoken to Mike Babcock about their coach openinghttps://t.co/UgX8gHZykn
– James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 16, 2023
![Mike Babcock: back in the running for vacant head coaching positions](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2023/05/mike-babcock.jpg)
His reputation was tarnished at the end of his time in Toronto. A few rather ordinary things he did, including the famous incident involving Mitch Marner and the list of players who weren’t working hard enough (which Babcock partially denied), led to him being seen as a “bully”.
However, they’re not the only ones with an interest: Babcock’s name has also been mentioned in New York, while the Rangers are also looking for a coach following the departure of Gerard Gallant.
He’s far from the only candidate in the running, though.
For more on some of the early #NYR coaching candidates, read heređhttps://t.co/6vzeNWu2Zl
– Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) May 12, 2023
I don’t know if the Capitals, Flames and Ducks have also chatted with the former Red Wings and Maple Leafs coach, but clearly, Babcock seems to have a real chance of being considered for a coaching position in the league.
Then again, one can’t help but feel that there’s still some “coach recycling” going on in the NHL. After all, a guy like Babcock is now 60 and still being considered for a job despite a long absence. Guys like Bruce Boudreau and Peter Laviolette are also popular names, even though they’ve lost their jobs in recent months.
#NHLDucks coaching search has mostly flown under radar, amazing because I believe GM Pat Verbeek has spoken to roughly 468 potential candidates.
But I can confirm 3 names on the list: Andrew Brunette(#njdevils), Spencer Carbery(#Leafs) & Mike Vellucci(#pens).@DailyFaceoff
– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 18, 2023
I sincerely wonder if any team will decide to hire Babcock. He fits the “recycled” coach profile that often comes up in hirings, and I wonder if they’ll still turn to the past rather than go with new blood.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think he’ll get a job, but seeing his name in the rumor mill is worth mentioning.
In bursts
– Patrick Mahomes seems to be trying to lure the Coyotes to Kansas City.
KC coyotes has a nice ring to it! @NHL what y’all think? @tmobilecenter
– Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 17, 2023
– After Bill Daly, it’s the Coyotes’ turn to confirm that they’ll be playing in Arizona next season.
Coyotes letter to season-ticket holders pic.twitter.com/JOwnMYpZjy
– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 18, 2023
– Listen now.
đ @MTLAlouettes: Bruno Heppell discusses Alouettes training camp, the impact of Jason Maas as the new head coach, the impact of some Francophones this year and more.
Listen here with @LangloisMario â¶ïž https://t.co/4xvjKIcsBs pic.twitter.com/LDvnvXXpo2
– 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) May 18, 2023