The only way to have this hiring be worth it is if the Blue Jackets win the Cup. This move reeks of urgency by the Columbus brass to win now with the prime core of Johnny Gaudreau, Zach Werenski, and Patrik Laine.

There is surprise and shock amongst the tenured reporters and analysts. There is uproar from the fan base.

The move to hire a veteran coach on a young roster is a tough pill to swallow, as it was for Torts in his early years.

It is an off the board move as a fit between coach Babcock and Columbus.

He is a winner, 15 years ago. Since, it has come out about his reputation and treatment of the players he had in Detroit and Toronto.

Is he different? Is he the same? How will he treat the players and staff that remain?

Comparing previous hires, this may go down as the worst hiring in Blue Jackets history, especially in the personal relations front.

The only team right now I see this team potentially surpassing next season is Philadelphia with Babcock. Let's not panic on next season yet when it is June. It's a tough move to absorb, thus my delay in putting my thoughts down.

Reports are the deal is short term. Do the right thing or get lost.

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