​Jordin Tootoo spoke candidly about his time with the Detroit Red Wings under Mike Babcock, describing it as a period that left him feeling miserable. The former winger, now 43, joined Detroit as an unrestricted free agent in 2012 with the aim of adding grit and toughness to the lineup. Although he signed a three-year contract, his stay in Detroit was brief. He spent portions of his seasons with the Red Wings and their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, before Detroit exercised a compliance buyout after the 2013-14 season, effectively ending his tenure with the franchise.
During his 53 regular-season games with Detroit, Tootoo tallied three goals and six assists for nine points. In interviews, he reflected on his time with the team, especially his experiences under Babcock, who later became the Edmonton Oilers’ head coach and has faced criticism in recent years for his approach to player management and behavior. Since parting ways with the Toronto Maple Leafs, former players have spoken out about his coaching style, recounting moments when boundaries were crossed both professionally and personally.
Tootoo has been open about his mental health battles and described the atmosphere in Detroit as difficult at times. While he did not explicitly name Babcock, he hinted at the coach to whom he was referring. “I’ve been on a few teams where you feel like you’re in the way here,” Tootoo said on Ice Guardians. “And one particular coach who coached me in Detroit, it was hard. That was during the early years of my sobriety, and every day felt like a test.” He added that teammates showed him support and believed in him, recalling how former teammate Brett Hull pulled him aside to reassure him, saying, “Don’t worry about this guy. We’ve got your back.” Tootoo emphasized that having teammates who genuinely care for one another is what mattered most to him.
Hull, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer, also weighed in, offering his own perspective. He drew parallels between his experience under Mike Keenan with the St. Louis Blues and the situation some players described regarding Babcock. Hull suggested that coaches who belittle players and try to make them feel small can erode a player’s love for the game. He recalled his own time in St. Louis, explaining how such environments can sap a player’s enjoyment of hockey, a sentiment that resonated with Tootoo’s remarks about his Detroit years. Hull’s comparison underscored a shared concern among players about coaching methods that undermine confidence and joy in the sport.
Overall, Tootoo’s reflections highlight a recurring theme in discussions about certain coaching styles: the profound impact a coach’s demeanor can have on a player’s mental health, confidence, and relationship with the game. The conversations also spotlight the importance of supportive teammates and a positive team culture in helping players persevere through tough periods on and off the ice.