Mike Babcock is at the center of the commotion again.
Mike Babcock receives more criticism. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock has found himself in the middle of a new uproar.
Babcock had asked Blue Jackets players to show private photos of their families. This raised criticism and the NHL players’ association, the NHLPA, has traveled to Columbus to investigate the incident.
Former Babcock player Johan Hedstrom uploaded harsh words about the Canadian coach to the Swedish media after the matter came to light.
– This does not surprise me at all. He is completely disturbed, Hedström said According to HockeyNews.
Hedström played under Babckock in the Anaheim Ducks in the 2002-2003 season. The Swedish forward played most of the season with the AHL team Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, but was picked up during the playoffs, according to the NHL team.
The Ducks went all the way to the Stanley Cup finals at that time.
– He is a bully. It’s pathetic how he behaves. This would not have come to light if Babcock had only asked questions about the players’ families and asked if they were doing well. It’s absolutely sick that he’s going through their photo gallery.
Sack?
The club led by Jarmo Kekäläinen is in the middle of an uproar. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Hedström does not believe that Babcock will get away with it. Babcock found himself in the middle of a commotion in 2019 when he coached the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He was accused of bullying the players and forcing Mitch Marner, who was still playing as a rookie at the time, to list the team’s hardest working players.
Babcock showed the list to other players and was eventually fired as a result of his actions.
– I don’t think they will be able to sweep this under the carpet, Hedström said about the latest uproar.
“I think everybody was shocked when they brought him back to the NHL. He’s great at hockey, gets a lot out of his teams as a coach, but as a person he’s crazy, Hedström continued.
Inside reporter for TSN Darren Dreger reported more information about Babcock’s situation on Friday.
– Based on the information that has come to light in the past 48 hours, I think Babcock’s job may be on the line. I’m not reporting this or predicting it will happen, but it (fires) is a possibility, Dreger said on First Up.
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