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● TRACKER Updated 19d ago · 30 sources tracked

NHL clears Mike Babcock to return after investigation

The Edmonton Oilers appointed Mike Babcock as head coach following an NHL investigation into his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Babcock returns to the league after an absence of more than six years. The move comes after the team was eliminated from the Western Conference Quarterfinal by the Anaheim Ducks.

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What changed

New details link the hiring to a series of organizational changes following a playoff exit.

Live updates

  1. Edmonton Oilers Hire Mike Babcock After NHL Investigation

    The Edmonton Oilers appointed Mike Babcock as head coach following an NHL investigation into his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Babcock returns to the league after an absence of more than six years. The move comes after the team was eliminated from the Western Conference Quarterfinal by the Anaheim Ducks.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock as head coach.
    • Babcock returns to the NHL after more than six years.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Oilers made several player personnel changes and a leadership switch following their Western Conference Quarterfinal loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
    • Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have shared their thoughts on the hiring.
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. Frisbee-playing parents helped Sens goalie prospect Beckman get mental game in order
    2. Blue Jays continue series with Nationals, look to keep potential wild card spot within sight
    3. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl Reveal True Thoughts On Mike Babcock’s Hiring By Oilers
    confidence 80%

  2. Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock as head coach

    The Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock as their head coach. This follows an NHL investigation into his conduct with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He returns to the league after more than six years.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock as head coach.
    • The NHL cleared Babcock to return to coaching after an investigation into his conduct with the Blue Jackets.
    • Babcock returns to the NHL after more than six years.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The NHLPA recommended the investigation after the Edmonton Oilers showed interest in hiring Babcock.
    • Darnell Nurse has provided Stan Bowman with a list of preferred destinations to leave Edmonton.
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. Mike Babcock cleared to coach again in the NHL after investigation
    2. Raddysh: 'Means the world' to play for hometown Leafs, fulfill late dad's dream for him
    3. Mike Babcock Cleared to Return to NHL Coaching After Investigation
    4. Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach ...
    5. Jack’s Daily: Leafs Trade; Toews News; Babcock Free For Hire
    6. The Way Out Without Trading Nurse
    confidence 100%

  3. NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Return to Coaching

    The NHL finished a review of Mike Babcock's time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The league has cleared him to return to coaching. The Edmonton Oilers are now free to hire him for their head coaching vacancy.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL completed a review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus and cleared him to coach.
    • The Edmonton Oilers have the green light from the NHL to hire Babcock.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Oilers want to hire Babcock as their next head coach.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. NHL clears Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers after review of his Columbus tenure
    2. NHL clears Mike Babcock to return to coaching, but it's still a bad ...
    3. NHL clears Mike Babcock after investigation — paving way for Oilers hire
    4. NHL clears Babcock after investigation; Oilers free to hire him
    confidence 100%

  4. NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Return to Coaching

    The NHL has concluded an investigation into Mike Babcock's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The league found no current basis to restrict his employment, clearing him to return to coaching. The Edmonton Oilers are moving to hire Babcock.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to return to coaching after an investigation into his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
    • The league stated there is "no current basis to restrict his employment."
    • The Edmonton Oilers are hiring Mike Babcock.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Zach Hyman was among the loudest voices supporting the Oilers' hire of Babcock.
    • At least two Oilers players are finished with the team following the hiring.
    • Some players told their agent they will not play for the Oilers under Babcock.
    • Former NHL player Winnik stated Babcock is the only person who made him hate hockey.
    Sources used for this update (30)
    1. NHL clears Mike Babcock to return after investigation
    2. NHL clears Mike Babcock for return to coaching
    3. Real Kyper's NHL Buzz: Latest on Babcock, Knies, Bobrovsky
    4. Here He Comes! NHL Approves Mike Babcock Hire in Edmonton
    5. NHL clears Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers after review of his Columbus tenure
    6. Report: NHL to investigate Babcock's resignation from Columbus
    7. Agent Says His Players Will Not Want To Go To Edmonton If Babcock Is Head Coach
    8. Zach Hyman reportedly among loudest voices behind Oilers' Mike Babcock hire
    9. Oilers To Formally Begin Process of Hiring Mike Babcock, NHL Clears Him For Return
    10. NHL paves way for Mike Babcock to return as a head coach: ‘There is no current basis to restrict his employment’
    11. Oilers cleared to hire Mike Babcock as NHL wraps up investigation
    12. NHL clears Babcock ahead of potential Oilers hire
    confidence 95%