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It appears Mike Babcock will have a clear path to return to coaching.
On Thursday, the NHL released a statement regarding its investigation of Babcock.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” the statement read. “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 investigation comes amid rumblings that the Oilers want to hire Babcock to be their next head coach.
oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit. AP Photo/Duane BurlesonEdmonton consulted with the NHL Players’ Association to ensure it could hire Babcock without objection.
TSN reported that it seems final contract details are being arranged, but unless there is a last-mute rush, a press conference to introduce Babcock could come as early as next week.
The investigation centered around Babcock’s brief tenure in Columbus.
Babcock resigned from his post there before coaching a single game due to allegations of invading player privacy by asking them to share photos from personal phones.
It wasn’t the first time Babcock was accused of mistreating players.
One of the more known incidents occurred during the 2016-17 season, when Babcock was the bench boss in Toronto and told then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates on work ethic, which Babcock then shared with the team.
Marner’s teammates backed Marner and directed their anger at the “list incident” toward Babcock.
Mike Babcock addresses the media as the Columbus Blue Jackets introduce Babcock as their new head coach during a news conference on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. APIt goes without saying that the Oilers are taking a big risk by moving forward with Babcock.
As Connor McDavid’s two-year extension begins next season, questions linger over whether the superstar will stay in Edmonton after it expires.
Having a head coach who is unpopular among many players could make it even harder for Edmonton to retain its biggest star.
The NHLPA also released a statement regarding the situation Thursday.
“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s 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,” it said. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
Babcock’s career regular-season coaching record is 700-418-164.
He won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008 and led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.
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