Mike Babcock is cleared to resume his NHL coaching career if the Edmonton Oilers or any other team wants to hire the controversial former Blue Jackets bench boss.
Prompted by the Oilers’ interest in him, the NHL conducted an investigation into the circumstances that led to Babcock’s forced resignation from the Blue Jackets in September 2023 after just 78 days on the job. The league issued a statement June 18 that paves a path back to coaching.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” the statement reads. “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.”
Babcock, 63, is 12th in career NHL coaching wins, including a Stanley Cup title with the Red Wings, and his international success with Canada is legendary, having won gold medals in the Olympics (2010, 2014), world championships (2004) and world junior championships (1997).
His Columbus exit was prompted by accusations that he violated players’ privacy during one-on-one summer meetings. Most of the allegations related to him pressuring players to reveal personal photos from galleries on their cellphones, which he and a few veteran players said was an attempt to learn about his new team, but that’s not how all players took it.
During an investigation conducted by the NHL Players’ Association following initial allegations leaked to the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast, multiple Blue Jackets players told NHLPA investigators they weren’t comfortable with Babcock’s tactics.
Reports also surfaced that Babcock scrolled through the phone of a highly regarded young prospect while holding the phone for a length of time that made the player uncomfortable. Babcock resigned four days before the start of training camp in 2023, prompting former Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson and former general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to hold a joint press conference.
Before announcing that associate coach Pascal Vincent had signed a two-year contract to replace Babcock, they apologized to players who felt uneasy about Babcock’s tactics. Davidson also said the team made a mistake with the hiring, which was already considered a second chance following allegations of bullying by Babcock in previous stops with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
Now, if the Oilers still want him, Babcock is cleared to coach again.
Dispatch Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: NHL clears Mike Babcock for return to coaching
Reporting by Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
