NHL expands additional allegations against Mike Babcock after Edmonton Oilers hiring speculation

As the Edmonton Oilers want to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach, speculation suggests that the NHL is planning to start its investigation into the allegations related to Mike Babcock. Reports suggest that Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets in September 2023 after being hired in July, following claims that he had violated players' privacy by asking to see pictures on their phones.

However, following Babcock's resignation, there was no formal investigation, and there is an expectation that the process will go through if the Oilers plan on hiring him. According to a report, the league determined that the new allegations warranted a broader examination beyond the initial complaints. The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the NHL Players’ Association and outside investigators, and for this, the Oilers need to wait until the investigation is done.

NHL expands Mike Babcock investigation amid additional allegations following allegations related to privacy violation

The NHL is reportedly reviewing the allegations related to the former coach Mike Babcock amid speculation linking him to the Edmonton Oilers coaching vacancy. According to ClutchPoints, league officials are examining the allegations that surfaced as the Oilers are planning to consider Babcock for a possible return behind the bench.

Babcock has not coached in the NHL since resigning from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023, after serious claims of allegations that he had asked players to show him personal photos from their phones, prompting scrutiny from the NHL Players’ Association and the league.


Speaking on the same NHL Insider, Frank Seravalli stated, “If Oilers elect to continue down the path with Mike Babcock, sources say the NHLPA is in receipt of 'significant' additional claims from their own investigation with players that were not publicly reported in 2023. Those claims were presented to the NHL before his resignation,”

Previously, after Babcock's resignation, there was no formal investigation, and there is an expectation that the process will proceed if the Oilers plan to hire him. Even NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has previously shown interest in evaluating Babcock’s conduct carefully before approving any future employment.

Meanwhile, the Oilers are bidding for him after the team parted ways with former head coach Kris Knoblauch. According to TSN's Rishaug, it looks like the ownership group wants Babcock to take over the team next.

“My understanding is there is full-throated support from that (Oilers) leadership group for the Oilers to go ahead and hire Babcock if they can,” Rishaug said.

Reports suggest that before Babcock’s association with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he compiled a 700-418-164 coaching record across 17 NHL seasons and won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008. But his reputation has been shadowed in recent years by criticism from former players regarding his treatment of athletes and management style.



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