NHL clears Babcock to coach amid Oilers' interest
Key takeaways
- The NHL has determined that Mike Babcock is clear to coach again, the league announced Thursday, opening the path for the Edmonton Oilers to hire him.
- The NHL recently launched an investigation into Babcock's resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before he coached a game for them.
- The investigation was requested by the NHL Players' Association amid reports that the Oilers were looking to hire Babcock for their head coaching vacancy.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
The NHL has determined that Mike Babcock is clear to coach again, the league announced Thursday, opening the path for the Edmonton Oilers to hire him.
The NHL recently launched an investigation into Babcock's resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before he coached a game for them. He left the Blue Jackets less than three months into the job after his requests to look at personal photos from players' phones drew criticism.
The investigation was requested by the NHL Players' Association amid reports that the Oilers were looking to hire Babcock for their head coaching vacancy. The investigation included several Zoom interviews with former Blue Jackets players, sources said.