Outlook - today, what we know.
Tomorrow - the fans voice!
Monday - my take, what comes next, Mem cup wrap.
9pm
Mike Babcock will officially be announced as the 11th head coach in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history on Friday, June 30, 2023.
Babcock, 60, is patiently awaiting the public word and introduction from the Columbus Blue Jackets on two fronts.
The first delay being the results of the 2023 Memorial Cup, between WHL Champions the Seattle Thunderbirds and QMJHL Champions the Quebec Ramparts.
Since the COVID bubble, Babcock returned home and did some coaching work in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as the college coach.
He resigned before the beginning of this season. The other part is he contract is still being paid by the Toronto Maple Leafs through the end of the month.
Babcock will be coaching his fourth NHL team in his lengthy career. He led the Ducks to the Cup final loss in 2003 against New Jersey; the Cup final win and loss for Detroit against Pittsburgh; and his controversial times with Toronto.
Terms of contract are undisclosed for Babcock’s new deal.
There is also speculation around the news that there is a previous relationship between assistant to the general manager Rick Nash and Babcock dating back to their Olympic years with Team Canada. Additionally, some players may have been made aware before the news went public for their acknowledgment and sign-of approval.
Player Profile - James Malatesta
On the eve of the Memorial Cup game between Seattle and Quebec, let’s cover the lone Columbus player in the game - forward James Malatesta.
Malatesta was a fifth round draft pick of the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL entry draft, going 133rd overall.
In this past season, he has had 66 points in 55 games with 64 penalty minutes. In 18 playoff games, he has 20 points.
In his career with the Ramparts, he played 214 games, recording 98 goals, 89 assists, and 187 points for an average of 0.87 points per game over his four years.
Malatesta has played in several developmental games with the Jackets, and in the 21-22 Traverse City tournament, he caused a stair with Jared McIssac, defender on Detroit after a controversial hit.
The youngster has some bite to his game, and could be a middle six forward at his best, a steal for the fifth round.
With tomorrow’s game against Seattle, it comes down to seven first round picks on the Thunderbirds and strong and rested Quebec team led by head coach Patrick Roy and assistant Simon Gagne.
This will be fun to see how this goes. Championship season is real.
More is coming…
1:45pm
CONFIRMED…
Working on reaction, details, and more…
Stay tuned to Hockeybuzz and my Twitter @ZakMacBuzz
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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