SJHN Daily: Marleau Defends Babcock

Patrick Marleau gave his take on Mike Babcock.

Babcock has been the topic of much discussion recently after Paul Bissonnette of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast shared that Boone Jenner was forced to show photos from his phone to Babcock. Later that day, the Columbus Blue Jackets released this statement. Jenner played it down and Babcock called the rumors “a gross representation of those meetings and extremely offensive.”

Marleau, who played under Babcock with the Toronto Maple Leafs, feels similarly. He clarified to the Mercury News in a recent interview that in similar meetings when he joined the Maple Leafs in 2017, he sent a few photos to a staff member and later explained the pictures to the team as part of a bonding exercise.

“So I think, what I’m assuming, not knowing more than what everybody else does, that that’s exactly what [Babcock] was doing there again,” Marleau shared.

Apparently, younger Blue Jackets were uncomfortable with this activity though.

Important excerpt from Friedman’s article. #CBJ https://t.co/sBHgJmJxRh pic.twitter.com/chP5tSn7Qu

— The CBJ Center (@CBJcenter) September 15, 2023

Marleau has had nothing but good experiences with Babcock, who even attended his jersey retirement last season. As the San Jose Sharks legend put it: “I had to have somebody going to bat for me to make those Olympic teams, and I’m pretty sure he was one of the guys that was doing that for me, and our relationship in Toronto was good as well.”

The investigation around Babcock, however, is still ongoing.

NHLPA statement on today’s meeting pic.twitter.com/j7RN4vfrYh

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 15, 2023

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Mario Ferraro joins the SJHN Podcast! He discusses the resurgence of his YouTube channel, plus Keegan and Sheng discuss whether tanking is the best course of action for the Sharks.

How could the Erik Karlsson saga have played out differently? 5 alternate history scenarios for the fifth anniversary of the Karlsson trade to the San Jose Sharks.

Which San Jose Sharks prospects is Sheng Peng monitoring most closely at the 2023 Rookie Faceoff?

Does Mike Grier‘s rebuild follow the path of another older Sharks’ rebuild?

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Some of the Sharks take a break from the ice and hit the links.

What is Ozzy Wiesblatt’s timeline for making the NHL?

A moment for the Labanc boys please 🥹💙 pic.twitter.com/8LufCRYTdz

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) September 13, 2023

AROUND THE NHL…

The Boston Bruins release list of “Historic 100” players.

🇰🇷Sangyeob Kim is expected to soon sign with the Tri-City storm in the #USHL!

This will make him the first ever South Korean born and trained player in the league.

Of course, American born Koreans 🇰🇷Jungwook Hong and 🇰🇷Yoonho Chung played last season. pic.twitter.com/201V2UqHZd

— Hockey Worldwide (@H0ckeyWorldwide) September 15, 2023

Is Tomas Tatar exactly what the Colorado Avalanche need?

The Vegas Golden Knights sign Maxime Comtois to a PTO.

The PWHL announces the league’s six coaches.

Teams have inquired to the Ottawa Senators about Shane Pinto.

No one takes slap shot anymore. pic.twitter.com/faK0BrEv6e

— Greg Revak, CFP® (@CoachRevak) September 15, 2023

Matvei Michkov thrives in recent game with HC Sochi.

Do the Detroit Red Wings have room for Henrik Zetterberg in their front office?

Tim Stutzle disses Alex DeBrincat.