:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/leafs/2023/06/03/former-maple-leafs-coach-mike-babcock-to-join-blue-jackets-report/mike_babcock.jpg)
Former Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock could be back behind an NHL bench next season.
According to a report from TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, Babcock will be named the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The delay in the announcement is due to his existing contract with the Leafs expiring at the end of this month.
The Leafs hired Babcock in 2015 to an eight-year, $50 million (U.S.) deal after a bidding war with the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres for the former Detroit Red Wings bench boss, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2008.
Babcock was fired 23 games into the 2019-20 season while in his fifth campaign with the Leafs following three straight early exits from the playoffs and a stuttering start to his final season. He was replaced by current Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.
After taking some time off, Babcock returned to coaching with the University of Saskatchewan’s men’s hockey team but resigned last summer after just one season at the helm.