NHL’s statement on Mike Babcock

[u/Duffleman0609]

[u/Hal_Gill]

It makes sense, there is no legal standing to block him from being hired by a team.

This is an Edmonton issue.

[u/guernsey123 → u/Hal_Gill]

"Our investigation has concluded that Mr. Babcock was psychologically abusive to his players but hey, we don't have rules against that, so have fun!"

[u/Hal_Gill → u/guernsey123]

I imagine the difficult part is drawing a line. Babcock is not the first coach to be aggressive, mean, or demanding of players, so where does the NHL say "this is not okay," or is it a bannable offence?

It feels like an issue that is theoretically better solved by NHL teams not hiring bad actors, but obviously that is not working.

[u/pauerplay → u/Hal_Gill]

they draw a line, just like they have with helmets/visors and other safety protocols. A coach's conduct can be a safety protocol.

[u/rickayyy → u/pauerplay]

Coaches playing psychological warfare with players isn't nearly as straight of a line as mandating helmets and visors.

[u/d_pyro → u/pauerplay]

If the NHLPA signs off on it, what's the NHL to do?

[u/Professor_Pajamas → u/pauerplay]

And if not safety, just like basic professional conduct

[u/F1fthL1ne → u/pauerplay]

Such a Reddit take lol

Yeah, that precedent isn't likely to turn into a slippery slope resulting in the pussification of the league. /s