Nash Daily: Blue Jackets’ Babcock Fallout, Crosby’s Expectations

The Nashville Predators report to training camp this Wednesday with the first on-ice practice happening Thursday at Ford Ice Center in Bellevue as players prepare to fight for their spot in the opening-night roster.

The Columbus Blue Jackets spoke to reporters for the first time following the abrupt resignation of head coach Mike Babcock amid an investigation from the NHLPA for invasion of player privacy. 

Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen said he didn’t believe Mike Babcock had bad intentions, but “some of our players weren’t comfortable with his methods, and that was concerning.”

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 18, 2023

CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen said it's a complex relationship between management and players and they don't always feel comfortable coming to him with problems.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 18, 2023

In Case You Missed It

With training camp just a few days away, Nashville Hockey Now wrote about the top forwards on the bubble entering this season. 

Nashville Hockey Now‘s Nick Kieser also made three predictions for the upcoming season. 

Nashville’s 2021 fourth-round pick Ryan Ufko was named co-captain of the University of Massachusetts Amherst — a position he relishes as he prepares for this new leadership role. The Predators have high hopes for Ufko, who could sign his entry-level contract at the end of his junior season.

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby and the Penguins hope to be more consistent this season to avoid missing the playoffs for a second year in a row. 

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins named John MacLean new assistant coach to replace former assistant coach John Gruden, who left Boston to take the head job of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.  

Colorado Hockey Now: The Avalanche are looking to use some of their newly acquired players to reload for another Stanley Cup run. 

NYI Hockey Now: Islands head coach Lane Lambert seeks to improve upon his performance last year as he enters his second year as the main man behind the bench on Long Island. 

Chicago Hockey Now: The Blackhawks organization and fan base have a lot to be excited for in 2023, aside from just Connor Bedard.

Follow Clay Brewer on Twitter/X: @ClayBrewer10