Implications of the Mike Babcock resignation

JP Gambatese opines that, in many ways, the Blue Jackets and their young roster will benefit from a change behind the bench.

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By JP Gambatese (@JP_Gambatese)

Three days ago, then Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock resigned from his position after it was revealed that he demanded personal photos from people on the team in order to ‘get to know the players better.’

Regardless of how weird this whole situation has been, Babcock no longer being coach of the Blue Jackets has legitimate implications for the Metropolitan Division and the Devils. 

As much as Columbus’ lineup has improved – between an entirely new blueline corps, adding Adam Fantilli, and just getting healthy in general – Babcock being a part of that team absolutely would have held them back from being as successful as they could be. There’s a legitimately fun team there, and Babcock is not a fun coach. 

The average age of the Blue Jackets, according to Elite Prospects, is 25.66 years old. Babcock, to say the least, doesn’t like coaching young players.

He’d previously had a run-in with a rookie Mitch Marner, who alleged that Babcock forced Marner to put his name last on an “effort level” ranking and share it with teammates – the players who would be feeding Marner pucks. Babcock supposedly did that with Detroit to an unnamed player years prior.