NHL Clears Mike Babcock for Return, Opening Oilers Hiring Window

Mike Babcock, 63, won the 2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit and two Olympic golds (2010, 2014). He was hired by Columbus in July 2023 but resigned in September after players said he asked to view photos on phones. His last NHL job was with Toronto, from which he was dismissed in November 2019 after a 9-10-4 start.

NHL clears Babcock ahead of potential Oilers hire

Babcock has coached 1,301 regular-season games with a 700-418-164 record (19 ties). He won the 2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit, reached the Finals with Anaheim (2003) and Detroit (2009), and led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, completing the Triple Gold Club.

New York Post

NHL said its review found “no current basis to restrict his employment.” NHLPA called the allegations “very concerning” but affirmed the decision and urged Babcock to “uphold the high standards required of NHL coaches.” Edmonton officials have signaled readiness to finalize a contract following the clearance.

Sportskeeda

Maple Leaf Daniel Winnik called Babcock “a bully” and “the first guy who ever made me hate hockey.” Jason Gregor wrote that “Mike Babcock has lost the right to be an NHL coach.” Agents have voiced reservations, and fans have questioned the impact on Connor McDavid’s future.

Mike Babcock cleared to coach again in the NHL after investigation

Sources say the probe also examined “additional claims,” including a Patrik Laine-related allegation, but the league’s statement gave no details. The NHLPA noted “significant” further claims were reviewed, leaving the inquiry’s full scope unclear.

Babcock cleared in NHL investigation as Oilers close in on coach

After a 41-30-11 season and a first-round loss to the Ducks, the Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch and face pressure to win a Stanley Cup before McDavid’s 2028 contract ends. Babcock’s defensive focus matches franchise’s discipline goal, but the hire risks player dissent and backlash.

NHL clears Babcock ahead of potential Oilers hire

Contract talks are slated to finish early next week, with a formal announcement expected before the offseason. The clearance removes the procedural barrier, but agents, players and fans will shape Babcock’s integration.

NHL paves way for Mike Babcock to return as a head coach: ‘There is no current basis to restrict his employment’

• “The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.” — NHL

NHL paves way for Mike Babcock to return as a head coach: ‘There is no current basis to restrict his employment’

• “While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock's conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets' head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment. Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.” — NHLPA

ESPN

• “They were prepared to move ahead with the hiring, if allowed,” — Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet

Oilers get green light as NHL clears coach Mike Babcock

• “a bully,” and “the first guy who ever made me hate hockey.” — Daniel Winnik, former Maple Leaf

Mike Babcock cleared to coach again in the NHL after investigation