Mike Babcock resigns as CBJ head coach, The Athletic’s NHL Player Tiers, training camp storylines, and more
Sep 18, 2023
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Former head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Mike Babcock, joins Ian Mendes and Julian McKenzie to discuss his resignation before coaching a game. They also talk about interesting player placements in NHL Player Tiers, Connor Bedard's impressive start, and upcoming training camp storylines.
The debate surrounding the tier placement of Carter Verhagee brings up questions about his true standing as a top-line player.
Connor Baddard's impressive hat trick in his debut showcases his potential as a future prolific goal scorer in the NHL.
The opening faceoff between Sidney Crosby and Connor Baddard in the regular season opener would symbolize the passing of the torch and represent the future of the NHL.
Deep dives
Carter Verhagee as a 3C
There is some debate surrounding the placement of Carter Verhagee as a 3C in the tier rankings. While he had a breakout season and showed great potential, some may argue that he should be placed in a lower tier alongside other middle-six forwards instead. The discussion centers on whether Verhagee has truly solidified himself as a top-line player at this stage of his career.
Connor Baddard's Hat Trick
In a recent prospect game, Connor Baddard, who is highly touted as the next star in the NHL, scored a hat trick in his debut for the Chicago team. While it was a prospect game against St. Louis, Baddard's performance showcased his incredible talent and potential. His release and shot were particularly impressive, and if he continues to display his skills at the AHL level and beyond, he could become a prolific goal scorer in the NHL.
Opening Night Faceoff: Crosby vs. Baddard
The upcoming regular season opener between the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins presents an opportunity for a memorable faceoff moment. It would be ideal for the opening faceoff to feature a matchup between Sidney Crosby and Connor Baddard, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. The image of these two star players starting the season together would provide a powerful visual representation of the future of the NHL.
Mike Babcock's reputation and future discussed
The podcast discusses the negative perception of Mike Babcock and the questions surrounding his future in the NHL. The hosts highlight the contrasting views and opinions on Babcock's character and coaching abilities, with some suggesting he is trying to change and others questioning if he is still the right fit for a team. The discussion also touches on the risks and challenges of hiring coaches with a controversial past, despite their previous success.
Player tiers and pending UFAs
The podcast explores the recently released player tiers list and the pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) in the upcoming season. The hosts examine the top tier players and the potential debates around their rankings. They also highlight the interesting storylines surrounding prominent UFAs like Elias Lindholm, Hannafin, Patterson, Nylander, and Stamkos, and the impact these unresolved contract situations may have on their respective teams.
On a brand new Monday edition of The Athletic Hockey Show, Ian Mendes and Julian McKenzie are joined off the top of the show by The Athletic’s own Aaron Portzline to discuss Mike Babcock’s resignation as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets before he coached a single game, interesting placements for certain players in The Athletic’s fourth annual NHL Player Tiers, Connor Bedard’s hat trick in his first game wearing a Blackhawks jersey, potential storylines as training camps open this week, and more.
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