We all know how Mike Babcock's tenure began with the Leafs. There was a lot of excitement in the air and even when Babcock had publicly stated that "there will be pain", we took it as a sign that things were about to turn around for the organization after some very dark days.
Well, just as we all know how his tenure began, we also know how Babcock's tenure ended in Toronto, with a lot of dirty laundry being aired about how Babcock behaved while coaching the team, including having a rookie Mitch Marner compile a list of Leafs players, ordered from hardest working to least hardest working and then sharing it with the team, completely throwing Marner under the bus and destroying his confidence.
Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer and, much like his tenure started with the Leafs, Babs actually has the Jackets fired up for the upcoming season. Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski revealed as much during an interview this week.
Of course, the elephant in the room is how Babcock's reputation might have some feeling apprehensive about the hire and not knowing what to expect from the veteran coach. Werenski addressed that during his interview as well.
Only time will tell how this situation develops, but people can change and perhaps Babcock is focused on putting the past behind him and starting fresh. I'll believe it when I see it, but it's certainly possible.
