Mike Babcock’s announced return to the NHL doesn’t make everyone happy.
Former player Mike Commodore has harshly criticized who will be the next Columbus Blue Jackets head coach.
“Babcock the tyrant gets another chance. am i disappointed Yes. am i surprised NO. “His supposed resignation was crap from the start,” the ex-defender raged on social media on Sunday.
Babcock announced last August that it was “time to move on”.
He has not coached in the NHL since the 2019-20 season, his fifth with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He also coached the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for two years, the Detroit Red Wings for ten seasons, and won the 2008 Stanley Cup.
However, his record has been tarnished by allegations of verbal abuse, outdated learning methods and intransigence from former players.
Only a matter of time
Commodore doesn’t think Babcock has changed since retiring.
“I’m sure he went into the Blue Jackets offices and told the executives anything they wanted to hear,” he said. “Oh I’ve changed blah blah blah,” which is another bullshit. Babcock the tyrant does not change. Fools like him don’t change.
Commodore hopes the experiment will prove disastrous.
“Despite my respect for my friends within the Blue Jackets organization, I hope the experience will be a complete disaster in every way.”
According to many sources Babcock is officially hired by the Jackets when his eight-year, $50 million deal with the Leafs expires at the end of the month.
In 1,301 appearances behind the bench for an NHL team, Babcock has 700 wins.