The Mike Babcock Story Keeps Getting Worse | SDP 

The more I hear about Babcock, the more respect I have for Mike Commodore. Commodore was the first guy to to headline Babcock's BS.

"I think this is an article you should read" doesn't link the article

Another reason why Shanahan should be fired: He knew exactly who and what Babcock was and he still hired him. I'm all about a coach being a hard ass. But being a complete psychopath is not a quality trait you look for in a coach.

A low end, toxic personality, desperate to control everything within his sight. This is the type of person, who, if they're in a leadership position, you expose them.

A guy who doesn't have remorse of past actions and doesn't treat people with decency or respect shouldn't be a head coach

Boy am I glad that the Blue Jackets nipped this in the bud quickly, but it should have never happened in the first place. Some people are irredeemable (professionally).

Babcock obviously prioritizes power/control first. Coaching/winning comes second.

Question is how many creeps like this exist in minor hockey, Babcock started this crap a long time ago and everyone just let him get away with it ruining one player after another. The stories are numerous!!!

You guys should talk to my buddy Ronald Grimard about the crap Babcock was pulling at U of C. And actually, Ron was a trend setter for not putting up with his garage

I'm a Red Wings fan, so I have to ask how you didn't mention the Mike Modano thing, or the Johan Franzen bullying. Like literally two fantastic hockey players that he just utterly bullied. I also don't think the guy is actually a good coach. How the eff did he only get one cup with that Detroit time in the late 2000's? They had like 5 years where they should have.

It's kind of amazing some ex players haven't put the boots to babcock. There are some big, dangerous guys he's messed with over the years.

I personally would love to know what a guy like Paul Kariya thought of Babs, given that Paul was the Mighty Ducks best player outside of Giguere in 2003.

Hockey Culture at its finest. Hockey keeps recycling the same GMs and Coaches over and over. The Devils really looked at the leafs playoff record with Keefe and said "this is our guy" lol

What pisses me is the fact that Mr. Babcock is still chewing with his own teeth.

Even a sociopath can be good at something. The problem is, the stench follows them wherever they go..

The Wings won the cup despite Babcock's efforts.

Again, the few people who still stick up for Babcock and who call the players today soft or whatever, I feel like they'd be uncomfortable handing their phone to him. I don't think they'd like being randomly grilled every day. It doesn't matter your beliefs, politics, etc. A lot of players hate this guy, and rightfully so.

Also the other problem is there are alot of old heads who dont see issues with what Babcock has done.

Unfortunately, the league saw the same kind of behavior from Scotty Bowman and Mike Keenan. You would be hard pressed to get a favorable word on either of these psychopaths from their players.

At this point, the only shocking thing about Mike Babcock that could possibly come out now is that if he has a collection of creepy porcelain dolls he kisses on the lips before he goes to sleep.

Well this is sports we are talking about. These people can do basicly ANYTHING and still have reverence and influence. As long as you win, brainless and stupid sport fans love you.

Babcock thinks he is smarter than Scotty Bowman. He thinks he is a better coach than Bowman. That is how arrogant he is. Babcock is just another Mike Keenan.

I'm a Bruins fan and I wish Marner would come here; we could give you Ullmark!

Had a boss almost exactly like him. They should NEVER be in a position of power. They don't know what it means to be a leader or lead people.

Let’s look at Mitch Marners more recent trauma. Remember at the end of the 2022 season, he and his wife(fiance at the time) were held at gun point. Mitch had his car stolen. Now last year in October the accused were acquitted of the charges. This can explain the reason for his slow start to the season, and his overall demeanor. Mitch Marner now has security with him everywhere he goes. Perhaps this could give him a reason to be traded.

No mention of Shanahan playing for and hiring him.

That Peter Holland story is infuriating. I'm surprised Babcock never joined Jimmy Hoffa with the fishes the way he treats people.

I think the Leafs would have been better off drafting Mikko Rantanen, but that's just my opinion. His 6'4 inch frame is better suited for the postseason's physical play. I would also add that Boston was willing to give all 3 of their 1st round picks to Carolina for a chance to draft Hanafin at 5th, so had the Leafs moved down for the 3 picks, they could have had Matthew Barzal, Kyle Conor, and Tomas Chabot. The Barzal pick would have negated overpaying Tavares as a 2nd line center, and Conor and Chabot would have added much needed depth.

Two things: 1.) I read the article, and it paints a picture of a guy who doesn't know how to manage people and is all ego; and 2.) as a Bruins' fan, I can't believe Montgomery would value Babcock's opinion - calls Monty's judgement into question, imho

Not discounting the scummy thing Babs did to a young Mitch, but I enjoy the irony that the two guys he named won cups on their first team after the leafs. Because of course they did

The worst part too is how he didn't learn his lesson... it's astonishing to me how he went to CBJ just to repeat previous bad behaviours. One of the main things we were coached as kids (shoutout Adam for being on teams with me) was accountability. Babs does NOT practice what he preaches, which is one of the absolute worst traits of a leader. The term "narcissist" may not do it justice in his case due to the added borderline-malice he brings to the table with zero guilt.

I cannot believe Boone Jenner had to basically be thrown under the bus and do that press conference.

Years ago I have had bosses like him

You think its a coincidence that all of a sudden Edmonton learned how to play playoff hockey.... hum... from a rookie coach... hum... 😮

If anyone thinks that great coaches are liked by their players you are living in some fantasy land/feelings matter dream world. They pull crap to both motivate players and also exercise their control over them. One of the best ever, Scotty Bowman, was very disliked by many of the Canadiens players. Professional sports is different from EVERY OTHER profession where your boss is making a fraction of what his underlings are making. In their mind I’m sure they ‘need’ to pull control stunts to keep that authority in check. Babcock clearly took things to the extreme but he was also successful…why is it a shock to these guys that the ‘cabal’ of coaches still talk with him? The way these guys are talking about these players, they’re acting like their children…get a grip boys…this is a big boy league, people are not always going to be nice to these men. And if they’re coddled, well you can mostly end up with teams like the perpetually underperforming Leafs…

Mike Babcock aka vince mcmahon

The way he treated Johan Franzen as well was insane. Such an overrated coach

The Mr dressup shirt is fire!

It's not just Mike Babcock, it's all coaches. Some may sugar coat the message but at the end of the day if you don't add to their image of winning you'll be disposed of. The only way a player can trust a coach is if his interests are aligned with the coach's plan.

if this guy gets another sniff at coaching it'll just show that the system tolerates bullying and playing head games with players like he does, just a terrible person.

Not a hockey comment but...Mr. Dress up shirt!!!! Where does one find one!

A once coveted individual in sports is tired of carrying the weight and fear of being extorted having to check phones Law enforcement on both sides of the border have full details It's disgusting and the disgrace to the city to the sport to the fans and to family Absolutely shameful

And the University of Saskatchewan just *HIRED THIS GUY?!?*

When i learned that he sat Modano so he didnt get his 1500th game, i lost all respect for him. People keep pointing to him and the olympic medals. Those teams were so stacked, anyone could have been behind the bench and won.

Katie Strang has been an excellent hockey journalist for a long time. Great work by her and Robson.

Show's up??? Except for the playoffs!!!

Mitch is a fantastic player on both sides of the puck, but he hasn't shown the "it" factor in the playoffs that guys like Verhaghe or Bennet have. But... the only reason they should move him is if it makes the team better in other areas of need. However, this is all talk for nothing as I fully expect Mitch to say F U, and not waive his rights to any deal. So this is all likely leading to a big offseason next year, when John's contract is up.

Babcock needs to be banned from Hockey. The man needs psychological help.

German Titov? There’s a blast from the past

Family friend is close to a legendary coach. This legend told him the story about Babs telling the legend to his face, that he was lucky that he always had good teams in front of him. Aside from the utter lack of respect to a legend who was Bab's elder, the 'projection' of the comment is off the charts.

Textbook narcissistic sociopath

Very strange about McClellan--My spidey sense said there was something I didn't like about him, but i didn;t know why----now I know the answer--He's got Babcock stink on him....

If he comes back to the N H L !!There is something is Wrong with this League ? Because he is not a good coach and he is terrible when he 1 on 1 he is terrible person ? How many players did he ruined because of his attitude? Thanks for your time and video! Please don't let him back in this League w

Who doesn't get a little misty-eyed every now and then thinking about those soap commercials Mike Babcock did for Dove...

Wasn't there something about how Babcock didn't want to pick Marner. He had someone else in mind for the 4th overall.

The Mitch Marner story is not the 'biggest story' when it comes to Babcock. I have no clue about Babcock's coaching prowess, but negative comments from Comrie, Franzen, and Modano likely are correct. Many others star players dealt with Babcock in other ways. The teams that Detriot had were truly made up by legendary players. Only Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh, and Edmonton even comes close or exceeds.

Too bad a player didn't go all Latrell Spreewell on Babcock

Anyone have the link to the article?

No link to article is description? Nice lol

i think trading marner will be a massive mistake, id rather try to move tavares

A great comparison is Captain Herbert Sobel from the mini series Band of Brothers. He got his men ready to a point. But he didn’t have their respect. Major Dick Winters eventually lead Easy Compamy. He had the respect of the men and could get the most out of them. And this was the Greatest Generation-not the softies of Gen Z. That style of leadership didn’t fly then. Coaches need to be a Dick Winters,

Leafs would have gone farther with Lou-Babcock in the playoffs.

In this day of free agency, can you have guys like Babcock? You gonna sign with a Babcock coached team?

That was a weird edit at the end.

I just ran into Mike Babcock in San Jose at the Sharks practice facility last Thursday...

dont know how to say this without bashing him as a coach but that Detroit RedWings and 02 Team Canada squad could be coached by a mop and bring home the bacon. Seriously though, yes coaching is needed and has its place but just look at the rosters!

the funniest part about all of this, psychopathic coach, first pick, fourth pick, whining stars, etc., etc.: the team hasn't won a damn thing.

Trading Marner still makes 0 sense.

"This guy shouldn't be in charge of people" Leafs proceed to dole out 40 million to lead and teach their most prized assets in 20 years.

Nylander had a worse negotiation (sat out part of the season) but produces in the playoffs. If Marner played well in the postseason, he would be everyone’s favourite Leaf.

Steve...I get your point on Marner...great and gifted player BUT we simply cannot afford him anymore!!! Lesson learned tying up all that cap space in 4-5 players. The minute they signed Nylander it was the writing on the wall for Marner in my opinion.

Dangle looking to be Marner's agent god damn

No room for this behaviour in the modern world.

In short it’s mike badcock’s fault that leafs management couldnt get our top guys to take discounts because he was an a$$ to them at the beginning of their careers and that’s how they got back at him…makes sense now

What he did to Modano so disgusted me, and still does. It made me stop watching altogether.

Remember the story of Johan Franzen from Detroit Red Wings - he also said Babcock treated him like piece of garbage all the time..?

Mitch Marner's saga has a lot of parallels with the way Leafs (mis)treated Dave Keon, coincidentally a player with a very similar profile.

If Babcock said we should draft men not children and if he was alluding to picking Rantanen who was assistant captain on a mens pro league in Europe at the time.... Yea on this circumstance Babcock would of been right. Also 9 years with Marner on the team and still acts like a child again I don't think Babcock was wrong about Marner.

Whenever my friend wants to change music or whatever he asks if he can babcock my phone

big part is Mathews and Nylander signed first now his contract is coming up, one other thing is they gave no movement clauses to both Mathews and Nylander so they are stuck from moving them. Ok they over paid all three of them but to do that again and give no trade clauses which is crazy, if you give max dollars you don't get no movement that's just wrong.

Mitch get outta Taronna. Get the hell out.

No way Babcock ever gets hired in NHL again.

here to say i genuinely love your work.

The golden rule, Babcock. Look it up.

"You should read the article" Doesn't link the article....

Imagine how many potential NHLers and staffers aren't because of Babcock being a terrible coach

As a Bruins fan, it really makes me wonder just how close Babcock and Monty are, and what type of tactics Montgomery is employing in the locker room. The Bruins fired Cassidy because he lost the room, Bergeron most importantly, for being too much of a hard ass, so it wouldn't seem to make a lot of sense to hire an acolyte of Babcock's style as a replacement. But yeah, when he's going to him for advice on how to deal with the team, it makes you wonder.

From some of these comments, it’s easy to see why some players perform better with other organizations. We can’t/don’t see these ‘issues’ in real time but MANY players improve dramatically AFTER A MOVE/TRADE likely, in some cases because of different management styles. Personally I could never have succeeded under that ‘yoke’ that guys like Babcock create in the room. Now I’m wondering what life will be like in LEAFLAND under Berube. What kind of person is he behind the scenes? Is MLSE heading down the same path AGAIN ?

No one likes getting embarrassed but when it happens you'll never forget it and will do anything for it to not happen again. Toxic way to get a point across but it can be effective.

Welcome to the real world. Work environment everywhere is filled with personalities, egos and narcism. No one really works for a company, they work for a boss who will protect and support you or throw you under the bus. Companies often confuse someone being strict instead of being cruel. Guys; the only difference here is that you have an A-hole leading public figures. Very rich ones who get a lot of visibility. Babcock’s are all over the place… You should feel greater sorrow for the one that don’t have an opportunity or stage to defend them selves and aren’t making 6-7 figures $$$$.

How could the management of the Leafs either not see what Babcock was doing or, worse, not doing anything about it. Babcock sucks.

FFS he's a narcissist. this is what they do

Well can anyone be surprised at how many higher ups are cool with how Babs does things when this league is the absolute worst in regards to the “good ol boys club”? I mean instead of giving coaches who performed well in the AHL or even ECHL they would rather hire a fired coach instead of giving somone new an opportunity like Knoblock and the oilers did.

6:18 Babcock should’ve been eating his meals through a straw at this moment…

He cost Detroit at least two cups - in 2007 and 2009 with his asinine approach of putting Datsyuk with two pylons on his line. When it was washed up Bertuzzi and Abdelkader (sometimes Danny Cleary) who couldn't hit a broadside of a barn with his shot - Datsyuk figured out it's time to quit the NHL before his knees totally give up. Once he left Detroit, the Wings immediately stopped being a playoff team. I can only imagine how much more successful that line would be if Datsyuk had a true finisher on his wing!

Why whistle-blowing was introduced!!!

Jamie Rivers told an excellent story about Babcock when he played with the Wings (101espn in St Louis)

Wow, after all this there are still coaches (and other folks) who still think Mike Badcock has hockey ideas worthy of consideration. This is a saddening report. And I totally misspelled his name, whoops

imagine what the wife is going thru

As a Bruins fan, I find it very ironic that Montgomery of all people would speak in a supportive way of Babcock. I get that they're personally close but the whole sense in Bruins land of the reason that Montgomery was hired in the first place was that Bruce Cassidy was too much of an old school hard ass and that young players didn't want to play for him. This was illustrated in Jake debrusk asking for a trade under Cassidy and now after 2 years of Monty he's a UFA talking about how he hopes to stay a bruin. Monty was hired because he's the kind of coach players want to play for and that seems to be true. So it's crazy to me that he wouldn't get how big a deal the stuff Babcock did really is. I agree with Adam that he said it to stick it to the leafs, but it was pretty foolish of him