Mike Babcock kicks Manny Legace to the curb, hires another former NHL goalie as team's new coach

According to a report from Columbus Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline, the team is hiring former NHL goaltender Nicklas Backstrom as their new goaltending coach.

Backstrom, not to be confused with the Washington Capitals forward of the same name, has been the Blue Jackets' European based goaltending consultant for a few years now. He'll replace former Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace, whose contract was not renewed.

Legace, as you may know, has been through a tough stretch with the Blue Jackets and is likely looking for a fresh start elsewhere in the league. He helped transform the likes of Jonas Korpisalo and Elvis Merzlikins into quality NHL netminders, but he also witnessed the tragic death of Matiss Kivlenieks in a freak accident at his own home. Legace did some quality work with the Blue Jackets organization, but again I can't blame him for wanting to move on... if indeed that was the case.