Mike Babcock’s name is already casting a shadow over the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search, turning what should have been a straightforward offseason decision into one of the NHL’s most talked-about storylines.
What began as a search for a new bench boss has now expanded into a much larger discussion that reaches beyond hockey operations.
NHLPA Pushes Back as Mike Babcock’s Oilers Candidacy Sparks Investigation
Mike Babcock has emerged as the central figure in a developing controversy after reports linked him to Edmonton’s head coaching vacancy. While the veteran coach owns one of the most decorated resumes in hockey history, his potential return has triggered immediate resistance from the NHL Players’ Association.
The NHLPA has formally requested that the NHL complete a full investigation into Babcock’s 2023 departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets before any team is permitted to hire him.
This request has effectively placed Edmonton’s plans on hold while the league reviews the matter.
Speaking on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh pushed back against reports suggesting players were responsible for driving interest in Babcock.
Walsh said, “There’s been some reports that the players have pushed this. Listen, it’s the GM, the president, the owner of a team, who hires a coach, not the players. Trying to put that on the players, that’s not the way it should work here.”
Walsh also confirmed that the union asked the NHL to investigate before any hiring could move forward. “We asked the NHL to do an investigation before they hire a coach… they’ve agreed,” Walsh said, while noting there is currently no timeline for the process to conclude.
The investigation centers largely on the circumstances surrounding Babcock’s abrupt exit from Columbus in September 2023. His short-lived tenure ended after allegations surfaced that he had asked players to hand over their personal phones during meetings and displayed private family photos on a television screen.
Although Babcock described the meetings as team-building exercises, the situation led to significant concern among players and ultimately resulted in his resignation before coaching a regular-season game.
For Edmonton, the timing is complicated.
Reports indicate that Oilers leaders, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, were ‘on board’ about hiring Babcock and were comfortable with the possibility of him taking over behind the bench. However, the NHL’s decision to proceed with an investigation means the organization cannot move forward until the review is completed.
That leaves the Oilers waiting while the league gathers information and interviews former Blue Jackets players. With no completion date in sight, Edmonton may eventually need to consider alternatives if the process stretches deeper into the offseason.
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With options dwindling and a league investigation pending, the Oilers may soon run out of options unless the Vegas Golden Knights miraculously permit Bruce Cassidy to interview in Edmonton.
