Mike Babcock is once again at the center of NHL conversations as the Edmonton Oilers search for a coach capable of guiding a Stanley Cup contender. His coaching record includes some of hockey’s biggest achievements, including a Stanley Cup, but it also comes with a long trail of controversies that have never fully faded from view.
Over the years, former players and staff members have shared troubling accounts of their experiences under his leadership, raising questions that continue to overshadow his availability. As Edmonton explores its coaching options, these past incidents are once again drawing scrutiny and shaping the debate around Babcock’s possible return behind an NHL bench.
Mike Babcock’s Biggest Controversies Behind His NHL Exile
Babcock has not coached an NHL game since 2019 with the Toronto Maple Leafs after his brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets ended before the 2023-24 season began.
That was because of a long list of allegations involving player treatment, workplace conduct, and privacy concerns that have tarnished his reputation.
Some of the most significant incidents include:
- Columbus Blue Jackets controversy (2023): Babcock’s NHL return ended almost immediately after reports surfaced that he asked players to show personal photos from their cellphones during private meetings. An NHLPA investigation found younger players felt uncomfortable with the process, leading to Babcock’s resignation before coaching a regular-season game.
- Johan Franzen’s allegations in Detroit: Former Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen accused Babcock of years of verbal mistreatment, particularly during the 2012 playoffs. Franzen called him “the worst person I have ever met” and said the experience contributed to anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional trauma. Hall of Famer Chris Chelios backed parts of Franzen’s account and described the treatment as shocking.
- Mitch Marner’s ranking exercise in Toronto: During Marner’s rookie season (2016-17), Babcock reportedly asked the young forward to rank teammates based on work ethic. Marner believed the exercise was private. According to reports, Babcock later shared portions of that list with players, creating tension inside the locker room. Babcock eventually apologized to Marner.
- Mike Modano’s 1,500-game milestone: One of the most frequently discussed stories from Babcock’s Detroit tenure involves Mike Modano. The American hockey legend finished his career at 1,499 games after being scratched late in the season. Modano later said, “He knew… I couldn’t believe it,” while Chris Chelios described the decision as “incredibly disrespectful.”
- Mistreatment of Frankie Corrado and Peter Holland: Both former Maple Leafs players accused Babcock of using psychological tactics that left them isolated from the team. Corrado described the experience as “cruel” and said it led to anxiety. Holland claimed he was belittled during discussions about his role and later said Babcock did not treat players “like a human being.”
- Anaheim-era player disputes: Former defenseman Mike Commodore alleged Babcock unfairly targeted him throughout multiple stops in his career and, in November 2019, publicly labeled him “a terrible human being, … an average coach with oversized ego.” Other former Ducks players also described incidents they viewed as disrespectful and unnecessarily humiliating.
- Workplace culture complaints: Reports from former employees during the Red Wings Era (2005–2015) have suggested Babcock’s behavior extended beyond players. Several accounts described a tense work environment where support staff felt singled out over minor issues and operated under constant pressure.
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Babcock has acknowledged mistakes in some situations. Addressing criticism from Franzen in a January 2021 interview with The Athletic, he said, “Besides apologize, there’s not much I can do about that now.” He has also stated that he is willing to apologize for actions he believes were wrong, saying, “I’m good with that.”
Still, the accumulation of incidents across Anaheim, Detroit, Toronto, and Columbus has left a lasting mark on his reputation. This history is a major reason Babcock has spent years away from an NHL bench and why his candidacy in Edmonton continues to generate strong reactions throughout the hockey world.
