Ice Hockey
NHL paves the way for Mike Babock to coach Edmonton Oilers
Watch every game of the 2026-27 NHL season on DAZN
The road is now clear for Mike Babcock to return to the NHL.
On Thursday, the league declared Babcock the next coach of the Edmonton Oilers, who have targeted him to lead their team.
The NHL had an investigation into what led Babcock to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets before even coaching a game in 2023. Babcock left the post after only three months of his tenure in Columbus, when criticism arose after he requested to view personal photos from players' cell phones.
"The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," the NHL said in a statement. '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."
The NHL Players' Association initially requested the inquiry due to what happened at the end of Babcock's time with the Blue Jackets, by conducting a series of interviews via Zoom with former players on the team.
"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, the NHLPA said in a statement. "Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches."
The 63-year-old Babcock has coached over 700 games with the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He led the Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup.
