The Daily: NHLPA Still Investigating Former Red Wings Coach Babcock; Avalanche Shopping For Goaltending Depth

With former NHLer Paul Bissonnette doubling down on his original accusations and ex-Detroit Red Wings defenseman Aaron Ward among the other former players addressing the situation, the Mike Babcock family photo phone scandal doesn’t like it will be going away.

It was Bissonnette who first was raising the issue on the Spttin’ Chiclets podcast. The NHL on TNT broadcaster was insisting he was hearing from some Columbus Blue Jackets players that they were made uncomfortable by the request from new head coach Babcock to view the family photos in their smartphones.

Ward also said he’d heard about it from concerned members of the Blue Jackets organization. He spoke on the situation with TSN radio in Montreal.

Elliotte Friedman on Mike Babcock investigations:

"It appears things changed… when information was received that some of the younger Blue Jackets were uncomfortable with what had occurred. That appears to be the major focus of the investigation." pic.twitter.com/IKWFV5sNbH

— Nathan "Grav" (@NathanGraviteh) September 15, 2023

Meanwhile, an NHLPA investigation into the episode is continuing. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting that it was the younger players on the Blue Jackets roster who were the ones raising concerns about how the whole situation was making them uncomfortable.

Marek on 32TP talking Babcock: “Doesn’t sound like this story is going to vanish anytime soon and here’s what I wonder, is the only question here how big this story is going to get?”

Friedman: “I agree with you, I don’t think it’s over”

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) September 13, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Top forward prospect Carter Mazur was suffering a lower-body injury in Detroit’s first NHL rookie tournament game
• Former Detroit second-round draft pick Robert Mastrosimone is suiting up for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL rookie tournament in Traverse City, Michigan
• In this behind the paywall article, DHN’s Kevin Allen looks and best-case and worst-case scenarios for the 2023-24 Red Wings

Red Wings Training Camp

The Red Wings Alumni will be in action on Sunday, September 30 at 2 p.m., facing the Boston Bruins Alumni at Big Boy Arena in Fraser, Michigan. This charity event will benefit Detroit City TV and GH Pastor Foundation. Tickets can be purchased here.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Head coach Jim Montgomery is confirming that the Boston Bruins will be naming a captain to succeed Patrice Bergeron.

Montreal: The Ottawa Senators traded left-winger Jakov Novak to the Montreal Canadiens for future considerations.

Florida: Forward Brett Ritchie will be attending the training camp of the Florida Panthers on a PTO.

Buffalo: Are contract negotiations between defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and the Buffalo Sabres at an impasse?

Pittsburgh: Captain Sidney Crosby is joining his Pittsburgh Penguins teammates in informal workouts.

Philadelphia: Mark Recchi is receiving induction into the Philadelphia Flyers hall of fame.

Islanders: Longtime New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey will be attending the training camp of the Ottawa Senators on a PTO.

New Jersey: Goaltender Keith Kinkaid is returning to the New Jersey Devils on a one-year, two-way contract.

Colorado: Worrying about the slow progress of injured Pavel Francouz, the Colorado Avalanche are checking the market for available goaltenders.

Chicago: The Chicago Blackhawks are plotting to bring back the popular black jerseys that the club once wore.

Nashville: Three predictions for the upcoming NHL season involving the Nashville Predators.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Kings are revealing their roster for the upcoming NHL rookie showcase.

San Jose: John McCarthy, coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL farm club of the San Jose Sharks, is denying accusations from former player Martin Kaut that the team was coercing him to fight last season.