NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Coach Edmonton Oilers Despite Cellphone Privacy Allegations

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league found no basis to prevent the Edmonton Oilers from hiring Mike Babcock as head coach. Babcock, 63, was introduced at a news conference Tuesday after the NHL completed its review of his brief prior stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Babcock was hired by Columbus in July 2023 and resigned in September 2023.

An NHL Players' Association investigation had examined claims that he violated players' privacy by asking to see photos on their cellphones. His resignation halted a full NHL probe at the time. The NHL conducted its own investigation before the Oilers could complete the hire.

Bettman stated the findings provided no grounds to prohibit Babcock from coaching in the league. "Based on our investigation, we concluded there was no basis upon which he should be prohibited from coaching," Bettman said after the board of governors meeting in New York. Bettman added that the league expects "a certain level of decorum and conduct" from Babcock and all head coaches.

He confirmed he had spoken directly with Babcock about those standards. The NHL statement on the review noted the findings were assessed "in a light least favorable" to Babcock. At the Edmonton news conference, Babcock said his wife told him "It's time to get out" of Columbus when controversies intensified.

He described the review as complete and expressed thanks to the NHL and NHLPA. " Jeff Jackson, CEO of hockey operations for the Oilers, said the team remained steadfast in the hiring despite external criticism.