NHL clears Mike Babcock to return after investigation

Key Points:

• Mike Babcock has been cleared by the NHL to return to coaching after an investigation into his departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 found no basis to restrict his employment.
• The investigation, prompted by the NHL Players’ Association when the Edmonton Oilers showed interest in Babcock, included interviews with former Blue Jackets players and addressed allegations of inappropriate conduct.
• Babcock parted ways with Columbus after 78 days amid allegations that he asked players to share personal photos, but no formal league investigation was conducted at that time due to his quick exit.
• The Edmonton Oilers are considering hiring Babcock to replace Kris Knoblauch, who was fired following a first-round playoff loss in May 2024.
• Babcock’s coaching resume includes leading the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup in 2008 and coaching Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014; his last NHL coaching role was with the Toronto Maple Leafs until 2019.