Controversial Former Maple Leafs Coach Linked to Surprise Overseas Job

Controversial Former Maple Leafs Coach Linked to Surprise Overseas Job

Russian hockey insider Artur Khairullin has apparently floated the name of former NHL head coach Mike Babcock as a candidate for the Ak Bars Kazan head coaching position.  Given Babcock’s long résumé in the NHL, it’s not inherently absurd. But this isn’t some blank slate hire — this is a man whose reputation carries both weight and liability. Babcock hasn’t coached in the NHL since he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in November 2019, which …