The NHL issued a statement Thursday clearing Mike Babcock to return to coaching following an investigation into his brief 2023 stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” read the statement. “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 Edmonton Oilers reportedly are interested in hiring Babcock, 63, to fill their coaching vacancy.
Earlier this month, the NHL Players’ Association asked the league to conduct an investigation into Babcock’s time in Columbus before allowing the Oilers to move forward.
The Blue Jackets hired Babcock on July 1, 2023 for what would have been his first NHL head coaching gig since leading the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015-19. In September 2023, reports emerged that some players felt Babcock invaded their privacy by asking to see their cellphone camera rolls in one-on-one meetings.
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner and the late Johnny Gaudreau confirmed that Babcock had asked to see photos but said they were not pressured to do so and understood it to be in the spirit of getting to know one another. Babcock reportedly also showed players photos from his phone.
However, younger players reportedly felt uncomfortable with Babcock’s approach, and he already had a reputation for controversial motivational tactics while with the Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings (2005-15).
Babcock resigned on Sept. 17, 2023 before the season began, so the NHL did not investigate the claims at the time.
Babcock has a 700-418-164 career record (19 ties) as head coach of the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2002-04), Red Wings and Maple Leafs. He led Detroit to the 2008 Stanley Cup title.
