'We got it wrong': Columbus Blue Jackets admit 'major misstep' with Mike Babcock hire

Blue Jackets president John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen shared their disappointment Monday after coach Mike Babcock resigned amid NHLPA investigations involving his violation of his players’ privacy by asking to see the photos on their phones.

“I am very disappointed,” Davidson said. “We went through a process earlier this summer prior to hiring Mike Babcock as our head coach, but we got it wrong, and that’s on us. I can promise you we can learn from this moving forward. I can also understand the criticism we are getting. It is deserved. All we can do is learn from it and do everything we can to help our coaches and players get ready for the season.”

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Davidson said he understands “the expectations of ownership” and that “we will be continued to be evaluated every day.” However, he said the focus is on helping Blue Jackets coaches and players get ready for the season. Training camp opens Wednesday.

“We’re coming into camp healthy, we have added quality players to our team, we have built a deep and talented group of prospects,” Davidson said. “We are excited about this team and where we are headed. We have to get through this situation.”

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Kekalainen said he had a meeting with Blue Jackets players Monday to apologize for “any inconvenience (or) awkward situation that this may have put them on,” with the hiring of Babcock.

“We understood the dynamics of what hiring Mike meant before so, and understand the criticism now that it didn’t work out the way we planned,” Kekalainen said. “Mike was hired upon personal relationships we've had with him, the feedback we’ve received from numerous people in the game that we know and respect and extensive conversations with Mike.

"It’s obviously fair to question our due diligence, but I can assure you it was done thoroughly. At the end of the day, I believed Mike Babcock deserved another opportunity to coach. Obviously that was a mistake, and that responsibility is mine.”

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Kekalainen said he doesn't believe Babcock had any ill intentions in his interviews with players but that it was “concerning” that some players were uncomfortable with the coach’s actions. He said that after internal and external conversations it became clear that this distraction became too great, and that a change needed to be made.

“Our organization is built on values that we take very seriously,” Kekalainen said. “We value heart, character and attitude with an emphasis on pride, professionalism and respect. These are the ideals that guide how we operate on the ice, in the community and in everything that we do. We are committed to doing the best we can and doing things the right way to represent our organization, city, fans in a matter that earns their respect, trust and support.

"Nothing is more important. We believe our players and everyone else on the inside and outside of our organization should be treated with respect all the times. Failing to live up to that standard is not acceptable. Are we perfect? No. Can we do better? Yes, and we will.”

Kekalainen spoke highly of new Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent, who takes over after working as an associate on the staff since 2021.

“Pascal has been prepared for this opportunity,” Kekalainen said. “He has earned it. While the circumstances are less than ideal, he is a very good coach and nothing should detract from that. He was a strong candidate as we went through the process we looked into earlier this year, and we are fortunate he’s in a position to lead our team.”

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets admit 'major misstep' with Mike Babcock hire