NHL clears Mike Babcock for return to coaching
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to coach again after completing an investigation into his brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, finding no basis to restrict his employment despite concerns about his conduct.
- The NHL Players' Association requested the investigation amid reports that the Edmonton Oilers were considering hiring Babcock as their head coach.
- Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets less than three months into the job after controversy over his request to view players' personal photos, which drew criticism.
- Sources indicate the Oilers plan to hire Babcock, who previously won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, with support from several veteran Oilers players.
- Babcock, 63, has a coaching history with the Ducks, Red Wings, and Maple Leafs, and was last fired by Toronto in 2019 after a poor start to the season despite multiple playoff appearances.
