The NHL has officially opened its long-delayed investigation into former coach Mike Babcock’s brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. This comes just a day after the conclusion of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
In his latest column for Sportsnet, insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the league will interview multiple parties as it examines the circumstances surrounding Babcock’s resignation before he coached a single regular-season game in Columbus.
The review is believed to have been prompted by the NHL Players’ Association to assess whether any further penalties are warranted and whether teams like the Edmonton Oilers can hire him without restriction.
A central challenge for investigators stems from resistance among some former Blue Jackets players and staff. Many have reportedly expressed frustration at revisiting events from three years ago, indicating they have no desire to relive the controversy and prefer to move on.
“One of the initial challenges here is that some Blue Jackets players and staff members from back then initially indicated they had no desire to re-live what happened three years ago and didn’t want to participate,” Friedman wrote. “So we will see how the investigation handles that, or if anyone moves past that reluctance.”
The probe revives scrutiny of Mike Babcock’s conduct in Columbus, including well-publicized allegations of invasions of privacy, such as requests to view personal photos on players’ phones.
Several Oilers players’ agents have voiced concern regarding the hiring of Mike Babcock
The Edmonton Oilers have emerged as the leading candidate to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach. This comes after the team decided to fire Kris Knoblauch after a disappointing first-round playoff exit.
Initially, the Oilers targeted Bruce Cassidy, but his contract situation with the Vegas Golden Knights has prevented him from interviewing with other teams. The roadblock prompted Edmonton to shift focus to Babcock.
The former Blue Jackets coach reportedly met with Oilers ownership and front office personnel, and he was one of two finalists who also met face-to-face with a small group of players in Toronto.
However, according to Elliotte Friedman, several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in those direct conversations have voiced concerns.
“Several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in direct conversations with Babcock also voiced concerns, adding they didn’t like the idea of clients being traded there, either,” he wrote.
The Oilers are now waiting for the outcome of the NHL’s investigation before making a final decision. If the review does not go in Mike Babcock’s favor, the franchise is expected to rule him out as a candidate.
With the playoffs now over, Edmonton is also closely monitoring the Golden Knights’ decision regarding Bruce Cassidy. Currently, the Oilers appear locked in on two primary coaching targets, but it remains to be seen who will ultimately replace Knoblauch behind the bench.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
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