Ex-Leafs coach believes that the Blue Jackets are ready to contend

The 60-year-old last coach in the NHL for the Maple Leafs in 2019-20. He had spent parts of 5 seasons in Toronto, making the playoffs in 3 consecutive seasons. Unfortunately, his old school coaching tactics got in the way and with the Leafs slumping to a 9-10-4 record, his time was up.

Controversies began to funnel after he was fired by the Maple Leafs and with Babcock more or less out of sight within the NHL circle, he went to the University of Saskatchewan in 2021. He retired after 2 years behind the bench in Saskatchewan but he was officially hired by the Blue Jackets on the 1st of July in 2023.

Columbus finished last in the Eastern Conference and 2nd last in the NHL but made several off-season changes this summer by acquiring Ivan Provorov, Damon Severson, and drafting Adam Fantilli. Babcock is aware of the challenges he is about to face but is very optimistic heading into the new season:

"...and then when you think about what's going on here, I think the team is way better than what it's been, I really do. I think with the additions we've made on the back-end this year with Provy and Sever and then Fantilli up front, I think suddenly we're in a spot that we can be a team to be proud of."

"Between the fans support, ownership, management team - knowing them so good - and just proximity in my life, I'm right here, made it easy for my wife and I to say "hey let's go to Columbus"