NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Coach Edmonton Oilers but Notes His Earlier Resignation Blocked Prior League Probe

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 as the Oilers head coach at a news conference on June 23. Bettman spoke after the NHL board of governors meeting in New York.

He said the league conducted its own investigation into Babcock's brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets and concluded there was no basis to prohibit him from coaching. The Oilers turned to Babcock after the Vegas Golden Knights refused to allow Bruce Cassidy to interview for the job while still under contract. Babcock was hired by Columbus in July 2023 and resigned in September 2023.

An NHLPA investigation had examined claims that he violated players' privacy by asking to see photos on their cellphones. His resignation prevented an NHL investigation at the time. Bettman said the NHL presented its findings in a light least favorable to Babcock.

He added that he personally spoke to Babcock about the league's expected standards. "We do -- and Mr. Babcock knows it because I spoke to him -- expect a certain level of decorum and conduct among all NHL personnel, especially head coaches," Bettman said.

At his introductory news conference, Babcock said his wife told him it was time to leave Columbus when controversies intensified. He said he has been self-reflective and that the NHL and NHLPA conducted a full review. '" Babcock said.