Shocking story of Mike Babcock's misconduct with Mitch Marner released publicly
Mike Babcock, after being hired and fired by the Columbus Blue Jackets, is likely done in the NHL. His time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, however, was what made him infamous.
While a courteous coach would let a player finish his first ever NHL game before giving them crushing news, Mike Babcock opted to tell Mitch Marner he was being sent back to the OHL's London Knights immediately after the first period of his NHL debut.
This disgusting move was far from the tipping point for Babcock, but it clearly resonates with the other issues that led to his eventual firing in Toronto:
A little more than a month after signing with the Leafs, Babcock tried to influence who the team would take with its first pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, according to multiple team sources.
Mark Hunter, the Leafs assistant general manager, lobbied for Mitchell Marner of the OHL's London Knights, which Hunter co-owns. Babcock made it clear to others in the team's hockey operations that he wanted a different player. Despite Babcock's objections, the Leafs selected Marner fourth overall.
After the first period of Marner's first preseason game, Babcock approached him in the tunnel and abruptly told him he was being sent back to junior � rather than sharing the news in a private meeting. Babcock's approach, relaying the disappointing news after a single period, was viewed by some in the organization as unprofessional and callous.
Mark Hunter, the Leafs assistant general manager, lobbied for Mitchell Marner of the OHL's London Knights, which Hunter co-owns. Babcock made it clear to others in the team's hockey operations that he wanted a different player. Despite Babcock's objections, the Leafs selected Marner fourth overall.
After the first period of Marner's first preseason game, Babcock approached him in the tunnel and abruptly told him he was being sent back to junior � rather than sharing the news in a private meeting. Babcock's approach, relaying the disappointing news after a single period, was viewed by some in the organization as unprofessional and callous.
Another notable case of Mike Babcock's misconduct came around the same time:
It is clear that Mike Babcock is not a modern NHL coach. For the players whose careers he likely ruined, he will be hated forever.
Credit Markerzone:
Shocking allegations of Mike Babcock's treatment of Mitch Marner emerge
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 741 ANSWERS Shocking story of Mike Babcock's misconduct with Mitch Marner released publicly Do you think Mike Babcock's treatment of Mitch Marner should have gotten him fired in 2015? | ||
| Yes | 602 | 81.2 % |
| No | 139 | 18.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
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