When Paul Bissonnette broke the news that Mike Babcock was reportedly asking players for their phones and to see the photos in their galleries, the hockey world went into a frenzy. Babcock, the Blue Jackets, Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau commented on the situation, saying there were no issues, while Bissonnette shared text messages from a player confirming what he reported was true. The NHLPA immediately opened an investigation into the situation and just as things were reportedly quieting down, new information came to light in the last 48 hours. TSN's Darren Dreger was on TSN1050's First Up this morning and discussed the latest allegations.
"Based on the information that has been discovered and percolated to the surface in the last 48 hours, I think there's a chance Babcock's job could be in question... I'm not reporting or predicting it's going to happen, but there's a chance that happens."
According to Dreger and others, information has come to light that younger players have said they were uncomfortable with Babcock's request and from the subsequent discussions with the veteran coach, which has led to further investigation. Dreger has also reported that there was a previously scheduled meeting between the NHL and NHLPA that had other items to be discussed, but the situation surrounding Babcock will now be its primary focus.
Depending on the outcome of that meeting and the investigation by the NHLPA, it is possible that Babcock could find himself unemployed again before even having the opportunity to step behind an NHL bench for the first time since being fired by the Leafs in 2019.
