Kadri’s “Dreamer” Reveals Babcock’s Controversial Coaching in Toronto

Nazem Kadri’s upcoming autobiography, “Dreamer: My Life On The Edge,” sheds light on Mike Babcock’s coaching methods during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, sparking renewed discussion about his leadership style.

Kadri, a key member of the Maple Leafs for a decade, details an incident where Babcock instructed then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates based on work ethic. This controversial exercise, confirmed by Marner in 2019, led to a confrontation between Kadri, Tyler Bozak, and Babcock.

“We stormed into Babcock’s office and laid into him,” Kadri writes. “He tried to defend what he’d done… but in the end, I think he realized he’d made a mistake.”

This revelation offers a glimpse into the tension that existed within the Leafs’ locker room under Babcock. While Kadri acknowledges that he and Babcock had a “pretty good relationship” and that the coach helped him improve as a player, he criticizes Babcock’s use of public criticism and tactics designed to “embarrass guys.”

Kadri recounts another instance where Babcock asked the team’s trainers to rank players’ effort levels in the gym, which he then discussed in front of the entire team. “The whole point was to embarrass guys, and it made for some awkward conversations between the players and the training staff,” Kadri writes. “Once you break that trust, it’s hard to come back.”

This type of leadership, where players are pitted against each other and publicly shamed, can be detrimental to team morale and create a toxic environment. It’s no surprise that Babcock’s tenure in Toronto ended abruptly in 2019.

“Dreamer: My Life On The Edge” promises to be a fascinating read for hockey fans, offering candid insights into the pressures and challenges faced by professional athletes. Kadri’s experiences with Babcock in Toronto serve as a reminder that even the most successful coaches can make mistakes and that a positive and supportive team culture is essential for success.

Stay Updated on the Latest NHL News with NHLTradeRumor.com!

Want to stay ahead of the game? Find the latest NHL news, join our fantasy hockey pool, and check out our 2024-25 NHL player point projections and 2024 NHL predictions on our website. Add NHLTradeRumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our weekly newsletter below for all the hottest trade rumors, breaking news, and in-depth analysis!

Sign up for our weekly NHL trade rumors newsletter