Mike Babcock resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, days after Spittin’ Chiclets podcaster and former NHLer Paul Bissonnette accused him of improperly viewing players’ smartphones.
Initially, the team, the NHL and the NHLPA were satisfied when captain Boone Jenner and 682-game NHL veteran Johnny Gaudreau indicated there was nothing nefarious with what Babcock did. However, the organizations reversed course when some of Blue Jackets’ younger players said they weren’t comfortable with what had occurred.
“Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction,” Babcock said in a statement released by the team. “While I’m disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we’ve begun, I know it’s in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season.”
According to multiple sources, one of the most serious concerns was a meeting that occurred away from team facilities that included “several minutes” of looking through a phone. That was beyond the scope of what was initially understood to have occurred.
NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh and assistant executive director Ron Hainsey flew to Columbus to meet with Blue Jackets players on Thursday. After a lengthy meeting described as “intense,” the situation was added to the agenda of a regularly scheduled NHL/NHLPA meeting on Friday. Some of Babcock’s former players in Toronto were contacted as part of the investigation.
“This was a difficult decision on everyone’s part, but one we felt necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team’s upcoming season,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in the statement. “On behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we want to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he has shown in working together on a plan to step down.”
The Blue Jackets have appointed associate coach Pascal Vincent as head coach, agreeing to a two-year contract through the 2024-25 season.
