NHL commish: 'Level of decorum' expected for Mike Babcock
The Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock as head coach after a league review cleared his return to the NHL. Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no basis to block the hire, Babcock must maintain a "certain level of decorum." Babcock has also addressed his previous exit from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
What changed
The NHL commissioner has explicitly defined conduct expectations for Mike Babcock following his appointment with Edmonton.
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NHL Commissioner Sets Conduct Standards for Mike Babcock
confidence 95%The Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock as head coach after a league review cleared his return to the NHL. Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that while there was no basis to block the hire, Babcock must maintain a "certain level of decorum." Babcock has also addressed his previous exit from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
What's confirmed:
- The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock as head coach.
- NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that Babcock is expected to uphold a "certain level of decorum."
- Bettman said there was no basis for preventing the Oilers from hiring Babcock.
- The Oilers added D.J. Smith as Associate Coach.
- Babcock has not coached an NHL game since being fired by Toronto 23 games into the 2019-20 season.
Still unconfirmed:
- Babcock's wife made him resign from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Babcock did not believe he crossed a line during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets.