Mike Babcock addresses the media after the Blue Jackets introduced him as their head coach at a news conference in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, July 1, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kyle Robertson-The Columbus Dispatch via AP
By The Canadian Press
Jun 18, 2026 | 9:55 AM
NEW YORK — The Edmonton Oilers have been given clearance by the NHL to hire Mike Babcock as head coach after the league concluded an investigation into his conduct while with Columbus in 2023.
The NHL Players’ Association requested the investigation after word emerged that the Oilers were interested in hiring the Stanley Cup-winning bench boss.
“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 Thursday. “Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favourable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the league.”
The NHLPA said Thursday in a response to the NHL’s investigation that it found Babcock’s conduct “very concerning.”