NHL to conduct investigation of Mike Babcock at NHLPA’s request
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The NHL will investigate Mike Babcock’s brief coaching tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets after the NHL Players’ Association requested a probe before approving his potential hiring by the Edmonton Oilers.
- Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets two months after being hired in July 2023 following allegations that he asked players to share personal photos, which halted an initial investigation.
- The investigation will include interviews with former Blue Jackets players, but there is no set timeline, and it could be canceled if Babcock withdraws from consideration.
- The Edmonton Oilers are seeking a new head coach after firing Kris Knoblauch, who led the team to two Stanley Cup Finals appearances but was dismissed following a first-round playoff loss.
- Babcock is a former Stanley Cup-winning coach with the Detroit Red Wings and led Team Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.