Hockey

Mike Babcock in the running for KHL head coaching job
Marc-Olivier Cook
Mike Babcock in the running for KHL head coaching job
Credit: Getty Images

There are some names in the hockey world that instantly trigger a reaction. Mike Babcock is one of them. We're talking about a controversial coach, after all… especially after his stints in Toronto and Columbus.

It didn't end well for him with the Blue Jackets: he didn't even manage a single game before the club showed him the exit door because of his rather bizarre behavior.

He had asked to go through his players' photos and phones to “get to know them”, and that didn't go down well.

At the time, we all thought it was the end for him as head coach. But that doesn't seem to be the case… because according to the Hockey News Hub (X) account, Babcock is in the running for the AK Bars head coaching job in the KHL.

Has he learned from his mistakes? Can joining the KHL help him get back to his old ways, those of a coach who will do anything – for better or for worse – to win on the ice, even if it means not treating his players right?

These are two questions I'm asking myself, because in reality, we're talking about a coach who's had a lot of success in the NHL… but who also has a certain reputation in the hockey world. Yes, he's won. Yes, he has a resume full of trophies. But the stories about his behavior will never go away either..

Because with the testimonials we've heard from so many people, we realize that Babcock didn't treat players like humans. He no longer has a good image in the NHL and, obviously, that doesn't affect the possibility of seeing him back behind the bench of a KHL team, so I can't wait to see what happens with this story

'Overtime'

– Poor Gally.

– It'll never change.

– Yep.

– Es** I can't wait!

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