sports
NHL Launches Investigation Into Babcock Resignation From Blue Jackets
The league opened a review after the players' union requested one last week. The probe centers on Babcock's September 2023 departure before coaching a game in Columbus.
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The NHL has opened an investigation into Mike Babcock's resignation as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the review is being conducted privately. All coaching hires require league approval.
The Players' Association requested the investigation last week after reports surfaced that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring Babcock. The league delayed action until after the Stanley Cup Final concluded Sunday, when Carolina defeated Vegas for the title. Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets less than three months after taking the job.
His requests for personal photos from players to build rapport drew criticism at the time as an invasion of privacy. The union reviewed the matter, but the NHL had dropped its earlier planned investigation when Babcock stepped down. Babcock turned 63 on April 29.
He has not coached an NHL game since Toronto fired him 23 games into the 2019-20 season. He led Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008, reached the final with the Red Wings in 2009 and Anaheim in 2003, and helped Canada win Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. The Oilers are seeking a replacement for Kris Knoblauch, whom they fired after a first-round playoff exit.
They asked Vegas for permission to speak with recently fired coach Bruce Cassidy, but the Golden Knights declined because Cassidy remains under contract through next season.
