The NHL has officially started investigating Mike Babcock's abrupt resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. This move now puts the Edmonton Oilers' pursuit of the veteran coach in uncertainty. 

The NHLPA pushed for this review after Babcock's name was mentioned over and over again on the list as a serious coaching candidate this offseason. So they were set on finishing the process before any team could hire him.

Babcock was hired by the Blue Jackets on July 1, 2023, but he ended up resigning in just two months. Later, there was a huge fallout with allegations that he asked players to show personal photos on their phones during individual meetings.

It was reported at the time that the players were made to share their phone content on a television screen in Babcock's office as part of a getting-to-know-you exercise. 

While some Columbus players, including captain Boone Jenner, did defend the coach, others complained about the invasion of privacy. The NHLPA shared its findings with the league and Blue Jackets management, and they tried to get the team president, John Davidson, to publicly say the team had gotten the hire wrong.

The NHL never went on to investigate this situation this deeply at the time because Babcock stepped down before they got more. Although now the same situation has become a bigger issue. According to Friedman's reporting on the 32 Thoughts podcast, the NHLPA is stressing that the investigation needs to happen before Babcock can return to coaching. 

This investigation is expected to involve interviews with multiple people and teams that are connected to the Columbus situation. According to Friedman, there is frustration among some former Blue Jackets players who do not want to talk about what has already been done.

Oilers Still Considering Babcock Despite Ongoing Situation

Edmonton has been on one of the biggest lookouts in the coaching market after firing Kris Knoblauch after the first-round playoff exit this spring. The organization interviewed multiple candidates, including Peter Laviolette, who was hired by the Los Angeles Kings in the end.

According to Friedman, the core members of the Oilers' leadership group, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, spoke with Babcock and were supportive of hiring him. 

However, Friedman said that he has difficulty seeing Edmonton move forward with the hire while the investigation looms.

“A few executives and players around the league have indicated Oilers management and players contacted them for feedback on Babcock,” writes Friedman.

“The union, in particular, reacted negatively, and there were multiple conversations where it voiced objection,” Friedman continued. “However, those members of the Oilers leadership group were satisfied by what they’d heard from other players and Babcock directly. They were prepared to move ahead with the hiring, if allowed.” 

The NHL's findings will now hold a big hand in determining Edmonton's next move in this situation.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Ankita Yadav