Canucks linked to Mike Babcock as they continue to spiral

It seems like a decade ago, but it's hard to believe that Mike Babcock was fired from his job as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs just two years ago in November of 2019. With everything that has happened in the world in the past two years, it seems like much longer, but I digress...

After taking a year away from the game, Babcock is now back behind the bench this season with his hometown Saskatchewan Huskies in Saskatoon. His name has hardly been a whisper around the NHL despite the fact that there have been several high profile vacancies over the past calendar year. Now though, Babcock's name is beginning to surface and... don't look now... but the Western Canadian born and raised coach may end up staying close to home as multiple online reports have linked him to the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks, of course, are absolutely floundering this season under head coach Travis Green and there's a real belief from fans and media that the team will make a decision on Green's future sometime this week. To me, a fan who has watched several Canucks games this season, it's clear that a change is needed.

The Canucks got shut out by the Chicago Blackhawks last night and in doing so established yet another "rock bottom" of their season. On their recent three game road trip, the Canucks were lambasted by the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks. During those games the Canucks put up absolutely zero fight and, to me, that's a failing of their head coach. It's one thing to be flat for a game or two, but when you've got the entire fanbase calling for your coach's head it's time to at least put up an effort. The Canucks couldn't muster that and I think that tells you everything you need to know about Green's future with the team.

Now, is Babcock the solution?

More from Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal:

I'm not sold on Babcock saving this team from yet another failed season this year. But, could he be what they need to finally get their act in order for next season? It's clear to me that Canucks management isn't sure what their next step should be, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if Babcock does indeed end up getting the job in Van City.