Babcock named head coach of Edmonton team

The league cleared Mike Babcock to coach in the NHL after reviewing his resignation from a prior post. An investigation included videoconference interviews with former players from another club. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the review found no basis to prohibit Babcock from coaching.

Hiring process Team officials had first sought permission to interview another coach still under contract elsewhere. Permission was denied, leading the team to pursue Babcock instead. The team's chief of hockey operations said star players were consulted and expressed their views before the decision.

Background and context Babcock previously coached three NHL clubs and recorded 700 career wins. He led one club to a Stanley Cup title in 2008 and guided Canada to two Olympic gold medals. Some former players have publicly criticized his coaching style.

Retired defenseman Mike Commodore and forward Daniel Winnik described negative experiences during their time under Babcock. The new coach takes over a club that reached consecutive league finals in the prior two seasons before an early exit this year.