The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach, a move that has sparked debate about the 63-year-old's coaching legacy. While Babcock's resume includes a Stanley Cup victory with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, his later years in Toronto and a brief, controversial tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets have raised questions.
Babcock's Record in Toronto
Babcock coached the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019, but the team failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs during his tenure. After a promising start, the Leafs struggled under Babcock, leading to his firing on November 20, 2019, just 23 games into the season. The team had lost six consecutive games at the time of his dismissal.
The Spezza Incident
One notable controversy involved veteran forward Jason Spezza. Before the 2019-20 season opener, Babcock replaced Spezza on the fourth line with Nick Shore, citing a need for Spezza to work on the penalty kill. However, just two nights later, Spezza was back in the lineup, leading to criticism that Babcock had humiliated the player. A Leafs management member later described the incident as a 'F*** you' to the front office.
Playoff Struggles
Babcock's playoff record after 2009 is underwhelming. In his final six years with the Red Wings, the team lost in the first round three times and the second round three times. With the Leafs, they missed the playoffs in 2016 and were eliminated in the first round in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Despite developing young stars like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, Babcock could not lead the team past the first round.
Controversy in Columbus
In 2023, Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets but resigned before coaching a game amid reports that he asked players to show personal photos on their phones, making some uncomfortable. The NHL launched an investigation into the matter.
Babcock's Bet on Himself
Before his firing, Babcock famously said, 'I have always bet on Mike Babcock, I'll continue to bet on him.' He has not coached in the NHL since leaving Toronto. While his career includes a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014, his recent history suggests a decline. The Oilers may be taking a risk by considering Babcock, given his playoff shortcomings and off-ice controversies.
As one observer noted, 'Babcock's resume speaks for itself,' but the parts that include early playoff exits and player conflicts are hard to ignore.
