Oilers cleared to hire Babcock as coach

The Edmonton Oilers have received the green light from the National Hockey League (NHL) to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach. The league concluded its investigation into Babcock's conduct during his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, finding no grounds to prevent his return to coaching.

The NHL Players’ Association had requested the investigation after learning of the Oilers' interest in Babcock. In a statement released Thursday, the NHL confirmed that its review of Babcock's time in Columbus and "certain alleged conduct associated therewith" had concluded. The league stated that "even in a light least favourable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the league."

Babcock's departure from the Blue Jackets was abrupt, occurring less than three months after he took the position. His tenure was marked by controversy, including requests for personal photos from players, which he claimed were part of an effort to get to know them. These requests drew criticism for being an invasion of privacy. The NHL Players' Association had initiated a review, but the league paused its own investigation when Babcock resigned.

This move comes as the Oilers are seeking a coach to replace Kris Knoblauch. Knoblauch led Edmonton to the Stanley Cup final in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons but was dismissed after the team's first-round exit this season. Babcock brings a wealth of experience, having coached parts of 16 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, and led the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2007-08. Internationally, he has coached Canada to multiple gold medals, including at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.

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The league has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favourable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the league.