The NHL has approved Mike Babcock’s return to coaching, but Commissioner Gary Bettman said the veteran coach will be expected to maintain high standards of behavior.

The NHL reviewed Babcock’s time in Columbus after the NHL Players’ Association raised concerns that he asked players to show photos from their cellphones. After the NHL Board of Governors meeting in New York, Bettman explained why the league allowed Babcock to return to an NHL bench.

“Based on our investigation, we concluded there was no basis upon which he should be prohibited from coaching," he said on June 23 as quoted by ESPN. "His ability to coach depended on an NHL team wanting to have him coach. And that's what Edmonton did."

Babcock was officially introduced as the Edmonton Oilers’ new head coach on Tuesday, June 23. It is his first NHL coaching job since his short and controversial time with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. 

According to ESPN, Bettman said the NHL reviewed the allegations on its own and looked into whether Babcock’s actions warranted keeping him out of the league. While he did not explain the findings in detail, the commissioner said Babcock will still be expected to meet the NHL’s standards. 

“Having said that, we do — and Mr. Babcock knows it because I spoke to him — expect a certain level of decorum and conduct among all NHL personnel, especially head coaches,” said Bettman via ESPN.

The league officials will be paying close attention as the veteran coach starts a new chapter with Edmonton.

Babcock reflects on Columbus controversy as Oilers defend hiring decision

The same ESPN report said Babcock used the controversy around his exit from Columbus as a chance to rethink how he coaches.

At his introductory news conference, Babcock said his wife told him to step away from hockey as the situation became more serious.

“Any time you make anybody feel uncomfortable in your life, you should take a look at yourself, and you should say, ‘How could I do that better?’ And I think that's what you do as a person is you try to always be better at what you do,” Babcock said.

He was thankful for the reviews carried out by the NHL and NHLPA. He added that he is focused on making the most of his new opportunity in Edmonton after things did not work out in Columbus.

He also said people have often misunderstood some of his coaching methods during his career.

“Being hard on people a lot of times is confused with telling the truth,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of communicating honestly and respectfully with players.

Despite criticism, Oilers executive Jeff Jackson stood by the hiring. He said the team spoke with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman before making the decision. With the club’s support and NHL approval, Babcock now must show he can succeed in Edmonton without controversy.

The Oilers finished last season with a 41-30-11 overall record.

As they look for a Stanley Cup in the upcoming season, Babcock looks to rebuild his image. Will this second chance in Edmonton redefine his legacy? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar