Martin Jones is now in the mix as the Maple Leafs add to their goaltending depth. Mike Babcock is stepping down from his head coaching position with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that the 60-year-old Babcock will be resigning from the post he officially accepted this summer. “Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction,” Babcock said in a statement on Sunday. “While I’m disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we’ve begun, I know it’s in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season.” Assistant coach Pascal Vincent was promoted to head coach of the Jackets and signed a new two-year contract to lead the team. The Blue Jackets officially hired Babcock on July 1 after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs had expired. When his tenure with Toronto ended in November of 2019, questions about Babcock's conduct with players began to rise to the surface. Babcock, in several interviews this offseason, addressed his past and told NHL.com he expected players to help hold him to account. But earlier this week, Paul Bissonette of the Spittin' Chicklets podcast told a story of Babcock asking Boone Jenner to see photos of his phone to "know what type of person you are." The Blue Jackets, Babcock and Jenner released a joint statement with the Columbus captain calling saying it was "blown out of proportion". Bissonette stood by his story and the NHLPA launched an investigation. NHLPA boss Marty Walsh and assistant executive director Ron Hainsey flew to Columbus and talked to players where there were reportedly more concerns about Babcock's conduct. Related Easton Cowan Showing in Traverse City Why the Maple Leafs Drafted Him in the First Round [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/easton-cowan-showing-in-traverse-city-why-the-maple-leafs-drafted-him-in-the-first-round] Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten Keen on 'Making The Most' of Second Traverse City Prospects Tournament [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-prospect-fraser-minten-keen-on-making-the-most-out-of-traverse-city-prospects-tournament] Matthew Knies Takes Aim at Leadership Role For Maple Leafs at Traverse City Prospects Tournament [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/matthew-knies-takes-aim-at-leadership-role-for-maple-leafs-at-traverse-city-prospects-tournament] News from THN.com 2023-24 NHL Season Preview: Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/video/2023-24-nhl-season-preview-boston-bruins] Pickle Juice and Cheat Meals: How NHL Prospects Eat [https://thehockeynews.com/news/pickle-juice-and-cheat-meals-how-nhl-prospects-eat] Boston Bruins Unveil 100th Anniversary Jerseys to Wear in 2023-24 [https://thehockeynews.com/news/boston-bruins-unveil-100th-anniversary-jerseys-to-wear-in-2023-24]
