Former NHLer Defends Babcock and Explains Why he Deserves a Second Chance

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TJ Tucker
August 22, 2023 (5:53 PM)

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With Mike Babcock returning to an NHL bench in October for the first time in close to four years, there are plenty who feel he doesn't deserve to be there. On the flip side, there are just as many that do, and they can count a former NHLer of 22 years as being in their corner.

Brad May recently appeared on the Raw Knuckles podcast where he was asked about Babcock's return. May said he has personally spoken to members of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and they're excited.

"Here's the reason why they're excited, they're going to become better players. Babs is a hell of a coach, he's very prepared, maybe a little bit of an inability to connect to some of his players, and I'm sure over the last few years, there's a come to Jesus moment, where, hey I gotta treat people differently, the old school's out."

Babcock was fired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs in November of 2019, the first time in his career that he had been canned. Following his dismissal, stories started to come out regarding his treatment of players with the Maple Leafs, as well as other teams he had coached that did not paint him in a favourable light. May said Babcock deserves another chance, as does anyone who did something wrong that is truly trying to be better.

"If you do the steps necessary and you have the ability, are we all not looking for a second chance?. If my answer was no, Mike Babcock shouldn't be a coach in the NHL ever again, that's the most ignorant thing to say, in my opinion."

May played under Babcock during a one-season stint with Detroit.

Source: TheHockeyNews.com