NHL Hall of Famer Chris Chelios doesn’t appear to be on team Mike Babcock.
Chelios, who played for Babcock in the past, has publicly criticized the 55-year-old’s coaching methods and when it comes down to it, he just doesn’t seem to like the guy. In 2017 he argued that Babcock is the reason why Detroit couldn’t bring in free agents while Chelios was still with the team and tabbed him as a “tough guy to play for.” This past week, Chelios proved his view on Babcock hasn’t changed a bit during a live interview on WGN Morning News.
While discussing Joel Quenneville’s firing from the Chicago Blackhawks, Chelios ended things off by expressing his hope that the head coach lands a new job… with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He didn’t hold back, blatantly stating his desire to see Babcock get the axe.
Whoa…
It turns out that Chelios wasn’t the only player who didn’t like playing for Babcock either. Former Red wings defenceman Mike Commodore has also criticized Babcock and shared a story of how the two-time Team Canada Olympic head coach scratched Mike Modano during his final days in the league and ultimately prevented him from hitting 1,500 games.
Babcock’s success is tough to argue (one Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals), but his coaching style clearly doesn’t sit well with everyone. His Maple Leafs are currently third in the Atlantic Division and sixth overall in the league with a 44-25-5 record.
(H/T WGNMorningNews)
