Mike Babcock returns to the NHL as the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets
By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer
Mike Babcock is back in the NHL as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets announced Saturday they’ve hired the Stanley Cup winner to take over behind the bench. Babcock is returning to the league after a hiatus of almost four years. His return follows the end of his lengthy contract with the Maple Leafs. They fired Babcock in 2019 early in his fifth season with Toronto. The 2008 Cup-winning coach who also guided Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 gives the Blue Jackets an accomplished veteran to oversee their attempt to become a contender again.