The Daily: Mike Babcock Returning to NHL; More Bertuzzi Chatter

Fifteen years ago today, June 4, 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won their most recent Stanley Cup championship with a 3-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mike Babcock was the Red Wings coach then.

Much has happened to Babcock — some of it unflattering — since then.

He hasn’t coached in the NHL since the Toronto Maple Leafs fired him Nov. 20, 2019. But that is changing because a Sportsnet report says the Columbus Blue Jackets will hire Babcock as head coach later this month when his contract officially expires with Toronto. He signed an eight-year deal worth $50 million with the Maple Leafs in 2015.

Babcock’s strength has always been his preparedness. He pulls strong performances out of his teams, but has been accused of verbally abusing players along the way.  Former Red Wings player Johan Franzen is among those who accused him of abusive behavior as a coach. Babcock was also accused of making a young Mitch Marner to rank teammates on the basis of work ethic and then shared that information with the team.

The Blue Jackets intend to name Mike Babcock as their new head coach once his contract with the Maple Leafs expires at the end of this month, Sportsnet can confirm. pic.twitter.com/PR0Of7ZYrS

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 3, 2023

Red Wings Offseason

The Red Wings will be sitting on $2.625 million of dead cap space in the upcoming season because the Jakub Vrana trade to St. Louis. But the Washington Capitals may also be suffering from that deal. They may consider buying out Anthony Mantha if they can’t trade him. He has one year left at $6.5 million.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Winnipeg Sun’s suggestion for a Detroit-Winnipeg trade wouldn’t gain much traction with Red Wings.
• Staying healthy is Robby Fabbri‘s hope and plan for the future.
• Former Red Wings defenseman Lou Marcon died at age 88.
• Henrik Zetterberg said he has no interest in joining Red Wings management team.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Bruins can’t afford Tyler Bertuzzi under their current cap outlook, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying to figure out a solution to keep him. Boston Bruins. 

Buffalo: Are the Sabres going to end up with another Perreault? He is related to a former NHL player, but not Gilbert. Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago: Prospect Colton Dach helps Seattle Thunderbirds reach the Memorial Cup. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Florida:  Panthers are far from panicked after Game 1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Montreal: The Canadiens are getting close to a new deal with forward Cole Caufield. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: The Flyers and New Jersey Devils will meet in an outdoor game at Met Life Stadium on Feb. 17. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari explains the long, winding road that led to the hiring of Kyle Dubas. Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Vegas: Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill made the save of his life in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Vegas Golden Knights.