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The NHL has cleared the way for former Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock to return to the league, paving the way for him to become the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock in 2023, but he resigned amid controversy before the start of the season following allegations that he had asked players to share personal photos from their mobile devices.
The NHL said Thursday in a statement: The League has completed its review of Mike Babcocks tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith.
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.
The NHL Players Association expressed some concern, however.
While we found the allegations of Mike Babcocks conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment.
Moving forward, we expect that Mr.
Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.
Babcock, 63, coached the Red Wings for 10 seasons from 2005-06 to 2014-15, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008, before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs on an eight-year, $50 million contract.
The Leafs fired him in November 2019 following three years of first-round playoff exits.
Babcock has a career coaching record of 700-418-164, with 19 ties, in the NHL.
He also coached Team Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
The Oilers fired head coach Kris Knoblauch last month after being ousted by Anaheim in the first round.
Knoblauch led Edmonton to the Cup Finals in each of the previous two seasons, where they lost to Florida.
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