Mike Babcock cleared to coach again in the NHL after investigation
Less than a week after it began, the NHL has completed its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mike Babcock’s resignation as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” a statement from the NHL said, without referring to a specific incident. “Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”
#NHL statement on Mike Babcock investigation:
Babcock was hired as head coach in Columbus in July of 2023, but he never coached a game with the club and did not even make it to training camp, as he resigned in early September following allegations that he had invaded the privacy of players by asking them to show him personal photos from their cell phones. Babcock resigned before investigations could be completed by the NHL and NHLPA.
Three years later, the Edmonton Oilers reportedly have significant interest in hiring Babcock as their next head coach, a role that is vacant following the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch after a first-round exit from this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There is a long list of alleged incidents involving Babcock and his treatment of his players, spanning from Johan Franzen with the Detroit Red Wings to Mitch Marner with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
On Thursday, former Maple Leaf Daniel Winnik, who played for Babcock in Toronto a decade ago, described him as “a bully,” and “the first guy who ever made me hate hockey.“
"He's the only guy that has ever made me hate hockey...he's just a bully" Former NHLer Daniel Winnick shared his staunch opposition to the possibility of the Oilers hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach. Listen to Winnik's full interview HERE: tsn.ca/radio/toronto-…
Given the number of complaints about Babcock’s treatment of players across his various tenures, the NHLPA requested that the Oilers delay hiring Babcock until the league’s investigation was complete.
“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment,” the NHLPA said in a statement. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
Now that it is, Edmonton is free to move forward with the hiring at any time.