*Photo from Yahoo Sports*
Just as quickly as the era begun, it is over. Mike Babcock has resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday after being hired by the team on July 1 amid the allegations of Babcock asking players for photos.
Babcock said in a statement that "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. 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."
On Tuesday, it was reported by the Spittin Chiclets podcast that Babcock asked players to share private photos on their phones during meetings. It was also alleged that Babcock asked for the players' phones and displayed photos on a larger screen.
The NHLPA recently began an investigation into the matter, as did the NHL. While the investigations found that veteran players were comfortable with what Babcock was doing, several younger players on the Blue Jackets told the league and the NHLPA that they were uncomfortable with what happened.
Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement that "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. 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."
During the NHLPA's investigation, they found that a meeting between Babcock and a player occurred away from the Blue Jackets facility, and that meeting included several minutes of looking through a phone.
NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh also gave a statement, saying that "Our players deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace. Unfortunately, that was not the case in Columbus. The club's decision to move forward with a new head coach is the appropriate course of action."
The Blue Jackets also announced that Pascal Vincent, an assistant coach with the team, has been named the team's new head coach. Vincent signed a two year contract that runs through the 2024-2025 season, and he'll become the first coach to lead the team in a game after Brad Larsen was fired.
Prior to joining the Blue Jackets coaching staff ahead of the 2021-2022 season, Vincent had spent 5 seasons as an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets after serving as head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. He was named AHL coach of the year with the Moose in 2018.
Vincent said in a statement that "This is a difficult day, but I am looking forward to this opportunity and appreciate the organization’s confidence in me to lead this team. We have a great group of guys that have been working very hard to prepare for the season. My focus will be to work with our staff to help them get better every day and be ready for what we believe will be an exciting season."
Babcock had been out of the NHL since November of 2019 after he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs, being replaced by Sheldon Keefe. His contract with the Maple Leafs expired this summer, leading to the Blue Jackets hiring him.
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