Oilers Moving to Hire Babcock Despite Recent NHLPA Investigation Into Player Privacy Claims

The Edmonton Oilers are closing in on a contract to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. Babcock, 63, won a Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings and ranks 12th all time in NHL career victories with 700 wins. He would succeed Kris Knoblauch behind the bench.

Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but resigned before coaching a game after an NHLPA investigation into claims that he violated players' privacy by asking to see photos on their cellphones. The NHLPA shared its findings with the NHL, which shared them with Blue Jackets management. Team president John Davidson said "we got it wrong" in hiring Babcock.

The NHLPA confirmed that Oilers players have reached out regarding Babcock's status and any open investigations into his conduct. Sources told ESPN that Edmonton's core leadership group has been consulted about Babcock's hiring and provided input to management. Sportsnet reported on Monday that Babcock met with the players and that Babcock spoke directly with Edmonton owner Daryl Katz.

TSN first reported on the Oilers' interest in Babcock. The Oilers would be Babcock's fourth NHL coaching stop. He led the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the Western Conference championship in the 2002-03 season during his two years there.

He coached the Red Wings for 10 seasons, winning two conference titles and the Stanley Cup. He coached the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2020. After Edmonton was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Anaheim, it sought to hire Bruce Cassidy, the Stanley Cup-winning coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Vegas refused to allow the Oilers permission to speak with Cassidy, who is under contract for the 2026-27 season. Before the Stanley Cup Final, the NHL reaffirmed that the Golden Knights are within their rights to deny Cassidy permission to interview with divisional rivals such as Edmonton and Los Angeles. Los Angeles hired Peter Laviolette on Monday.

"Obviously, we don't find it unreasonable because we're allowing it to happen. I do think Vegas is clearly within their contractual rights to do what they're doing," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. Superstar center Connor McDavid signed a two-year contract extension that kicks in next season to extend Edmonton's window to win with him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.