By Aaron Portzline (The Athletic)
COLUMBUS, Ohio — There are still two weeks until NHL training camps open, but most of the Blue Jackets are already taking daily morning skates in Nationwide Arena. There is optimism for the coming season, sure, but there’s nothing like a new coach to bring guys back to town early.
Mike Babcock was hired by the Blue Jackets on July 1, bringing a veteran presence to a club that is trying to form its many promising pieces into a cohesive, competitive lineup.
For the past several seasons, The Athletic has sat down with the Blue Jackets’ coach before training camp for a wide-ranging interview. It started with John Tortorella many years ago, continued with Brad Larsen the last two seasons, and now moves on to Babcock, who is 12th on the NHL’s all-time coaching list with 700 wins.
Babcock not only is coming from outside the organization, but he’s been outside the NHL for 3 1/2 seasons. That gives this year’s training camp an added dose of uncertainty and excitement, as every player will be evaluated by a new set of eyes.
The Blue Jackets had the second-worst record in the league last season, but they’ve had a momentous offseason, highlighted by the drafting of future No. 1 center Adam Fantilli, and the acquisition of veteran defensemen Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson.
Babcock has as many questions, as most Blue Jackets fans do, but he also has some strong opinions and valuable insights. Enjoy.
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