The NHL has initiated a long-awaited investigation into Mike Babcock’s short tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. This inquiry begins just a day after the 2026 Stanley Cup Final concluded.
According to Elliotte Friedman’s latest column for Sportsnet, the league plans to interview various individuals to understand the reasons behind Babcock’s resignation before he even led a regular-season game in Columbus.
The investigation is believed to be driven by the NHL Players’ Association to determine if additional penalties are necessary and to see if teams like the Edmonton Oilers can hire him without any limitations.
Investigators are encountering challenges, particularly due to the reluctance of some former Blue Jackets players and staff to revisit the events from three years ago. Many have expressed a desire to move on and avoid reliving the controversy.
“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 investigation renews focus on Mike Babcock’s behavior in Columbus, particularly allegations of privacy invasions, 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 become the frontrunner to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach following the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch after a disappointing playoff exit in the first round.
Initially, the Oilers aimed for Bruce Cassidy, but his current contract with the Vegas Golden Knights has prevented any interviews with other teams. This obstacle led Edmonton to turn their attention to Babcock.
Babcock has reportedly met with Oilers ownership and front office members and is one of two finalists who also had face-to-face meetings with a small group of players in Toronto.
However, Elliotte Friedman reports that several agents of Edmonton players not involved in these meetings have raised 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 awaiting the results of the NHL’s investigation before making a final decision. If the findings are unfavorable to Babcock, it is expected that he will be ruled out as a candidate.
With the playoffs concluded, Edmonton is also keeping a close watch on the Golden Knights’ decision regarding Bruce Cassidy. Currently, the Oilers seem focused on two main coaching candidates, but the ultimate replacement for Knoblauch remains undecided.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
