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TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting that former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock is set to return to behind an NHL bench…… coincidentally as his eight-year deal with the Leafs is set to expire.
Babcock was fired by Toronto in November 2019 by now-former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas in favor of Sheldon Keefe with just less than half of his eight-year, $50 million contract remaining. There have been hints that Babcock may have been in the mix for the Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers head coaching jobs, but Dreger reported on Saturday that Babcock will return to coach the Columbus Blue Jackets and that will be announced after his deal with Toronto expires on June 30.
Guess Babs won’t have to file for unemployment!!!
Babcock posted a record of 173-133-45 in 351 regular season games and an 8-12 record in three postseason appearances, but his legacy in Toronto will forever be tarnished by tactics that shamed a young Mitch Marner and have to be considered abusive.
Also revealed after his dismissal was Babcock’s criticism of an injured Johan Franzen while head coach of Detroit. Franzen struggled with concussion issues with the Red Wings and Babcock’s treatment of the injured forward turned the club against him.
One can only hope that the 60-year-old has learned his lesson, but you know the old adage about a leopard changing its spots????
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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