Why NHL is clearing Mike Babcock to educate after Jackets scandal

The Edmonton Oilers are still with no coach, but have their sights set on Mike Babcock. Attributable to allegations against him in 2023, he resigned because the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets before even coaching a game. This led the NHL to further investigate Babcock before allowing him to be hired.

Now, the NHL has concluded its investigation and has cleared the way in which for Babcock to be hired, per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

“The League has accomplished 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-weight least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there isn’t any current basis to limit his employment within the League,” the NHL said in a press release per LeBrun.

Babcock was fired following a nasty begin to the 2019-20 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a brief stint with the University of Vermont, he was the pinnacle coach for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies for a season in 2021-22. He was then hired in July 2023 to educate the Blue Jackets, but would never coach a game with them.

He was accused of invading the privacy of his players, forcing players handy over their cell phones as he went through them. The allegations were severe enough that Babcock selected to resign. These became the allegations that led the NHL to analyze whether Babcock ought to be hired by the Oilers.

While a controversial coach for a way he interacts with players, he has had success. He led the Mighty Geese of Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Final in 2003, and would win the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008. In 1,301 regular seasons games, Babcock has a record of 700-418-19-164. He also brought his teams to the playoffs 14 times in 16 full seasons.

Now, the Oilers could make the hire of Babcock, and likewise manage their players who will not be comfortable with the move.