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The NHL said Thursday it completed a review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, clearing him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him.
The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. In a statement, the league said even in the least favourable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment in the NHL.
It was not immediately clear if or when the Oilers would name Babcock its coach. The team has been looking for a replacement since firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
In a response to the NHL’s investigation, the NHLPA said Thursday it found Babcock’s conduct “very concerning.”
“Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches,” the union statement read.
Babcock, 63, coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
Once considered one of the best in the profession, former players have spoken out about Babcock’s old-school tendencies that some say can be considered bullying.
Babcock has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when he was fired by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. The Columbus Blue Jackets hired him on July 1, 2023, and Babcock resigned in September after his requests for personal photos from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.
The NHL dropped its planned investigation at the time because Babcock stepped down. It got underway this week after the Stanley Cup final ended.
