Mike Babcock signs contract to become a Head Coach after 4-years away from the league

It's been 4-years since the Toronto Maple Leafs announced they'd terminated the contract of Mike Babcock. The Leafs made the decision that they needed a change of direction, and replaced Babcock with Keefe. Many people expected Babcock to quickly find his way back to the NHL.

Instead, Babcock made the decision to remain at home and continue to collect his paycheck from the Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs paid Babcock nearly $30,000,000 to sit at home and not be the team's coach. Now, just 1-day after Babcock's Maple Leafs contract has ended the former Stanley Cup winning coach has announced his return to the NHL.

Today the Columbus Blue Jackets made it official hiring Babcock.




Hiring Babcock is an interesting choice for such a young team, but could end up paying big, especially if Babcock has taken time to reflect on his brash style. In his career Babcock has coached 1301 career games and has a record of 700-418-19-164. Babcock won the Stanley Cup with Detroit Red Wings in 2007-08 season.