The Edmonton Oilers’ search for a new head coach has run into a major condition: the NHLPA expects a full NHL investigation of Mike Babcock before any hire can move forward. The issue centers on Babcock’s brief and controversial stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.
According to ESPN, the NHLPA wants the league to review that episode before Edmonton can bring Babcock in behind the bench. The matter matters because Babcock has been discussed as a replacement for Kris Knoblauch, even as questions around his past conduct continue to follow him.
What the NHLPA wants reviewed
Babcock was hired by Columbus in July 2023 but resigned that September after an NHLPA investigation into claims that he violated players’ privacy. The complaint involved allegations that he asked to see photos on players’ cellphones.
The NHLPA shared its findings with the NHL, which then passed them to Blue Jackets management. At the time, team president John Davidson said, “we got it wrong” in hiring Babcock.
Since that resignation, the NHL has not carried out a formal investigation of Babcock. Sources told ESPN that the players’ association expects that process to be completed if Edmonton continues its pursuit.
Edmonton’s interest and player input
The Oilers have been in talks with Babcock, 63, and sources told ESPN that the team’s core leadership group has been consulted and has given management input on the possible hire. Sportsnet also reported that Babcock met with players and spoke directly with owner Daryl Katz.
The NHLPA said Monday that Oilers players had reached out about Babcock’s status and whether any investigations into his conduct remain open. A league source said the NHLPA had not asked the NHL for a formal investigation as of Tuesday night.
A coach with a long resume, and a complicated reputation
Babcock has not coached in the NHL since November 2019, but his career résumé remains significant. He won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and ranks 12th in NHL coaching wins with 700.
He is also part of the IIHF Triple Gold Club, having coached a world championship-winning team in 2004, a Stanley Cup champion, and Canada’s Olympic gold medal teams in 2010 and 2014.
If hired, Edmonton would become Babcock’s fourth NHL coaching stop. He led the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the Western Conference championship in his first NHL season in 2002-03, then spent 10 seasons with Detroit before coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2020.
Babcock’s tactics and approach to players drew criticism in Detroit, and that scrutiny intensified after Toronto fired him. One widely discussed incident involved Mitch Marner, when Babcock asked the rookie to rank the hardest-working players on the team and then shared that list with teammates.
The Oilers have been looking for options after the Vegas Golden Knights refused to allow them to interview former coach Bruce Cassidy, who was fired with eight games left in the season but still has a year remaining on his contract.
Before the Stanley Cup Final, the NHL confirmed that Vegas is within its rights to block Cassidy from interviewing with divisional rivals such as Edmonton and Los Angeles. Los Angeles instead hired Peter Laviolette on Monday, while deputy commissioner Bill Daly said, “Obviously, we don’t find it unreasonable because we’re allowing it to happen. I do think Vegas is clearly within their contractual rights to do what they’re doing.”
