Mike Babcock’s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs was a roller coaster ride of highs and lows, marked by both success and controversy.
As the new head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the ex Toronto Maple Leafs coach’s return to the NHL brings a mix of anticipation and curiosity, promising to add a new layer of intrigue to the league that it has been missing during his nearly four year hiatus.
When Babcock was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in May 2015, it marked a turning point for the franchise.
His reputation as a successful coach preceded him, having led the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup and Canada to an Olympic Gold medal.