Brett Jeffrey

Not saying I support the Oilers hiring Babcock, but people should take a minute to understand what actually happened in Columbus, according to players on the team. Babcock did not force players to go through their camera rolls on AirPlay, in front of the team, to “see what kind of person you are,” as was described on Spittin’ Chiclets What actually happened was, in private, one-on-one “get-to-know-you” meetings during the 2023 offseason, Babcock asked several Blue Jackets players (and staff) to pull out their phones and show him family pictures. He showed his own family photos too. In some cases the images were AirPlayed onto a screen in his office so they could view them together. Captain Boone Jenner said publicly: “He then asked if I had pictures of my family and I was happy to share some with him.” Johnny Gaudreau confirmed the same. he voluntarily showed photos and had “no problem with it.” Babcock and the team called it a mutual bonding exercise. However... not every player felt comfortable. Some younger guys later told the NHLPA the request felt invasive because of the coach-player power dynamic. That discomfort triggered a league/NHLPA review, backlash, and Babcock’s resignation on Sept. 17, 2023 — before he coached a single game or ran a full training camp. Had this been any other coach, I don't think they wouldve been fired/resigned but with Babcocks history, it was not a circumstance the Blue Jackets could look past