Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 2h ago · 42 sources tracked

NHL Statement on Mike Babcock

The NHL cleared Mike Babcock to coach the Edmonton Oilers following a league review. Commissioner Gary Bettman stated there was no basis to prevent the hire but expects Babcock to maintain a "certain level of decorum."

RSS Source map (32)

What changed

Added details regarding Commissioner Bettman's requirements and the nature of Babcock's departure from Columbus.

Live updates

  1. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Addresses Mike Babcock Hiring

    The NHL cleared Mike Babcock to coach the Edmonton Oilers following a league review. Commissioner Gary Bettman stated there was no basis to prevent the hire but expects Babcock to maintain a "certain level of decorum."

    What's confirmed:

    • NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated there was no basis to prevent the Edmonton Oilers from hiring Mike Babcock.
    • Bettman expects Babcock to uphold a "certain level of decorum."
    • The NHL cleared Babcock to coach after a review of his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Mike Babcock allegedly invaded the privacy of players during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
    • Mike Babcock claims he left the Columbus Blue Jackets on his own.
    • The Oilers replaced Kris Knoblauch after a first-round playoff loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
    confidence 90%

  2. Edmonton Oilers Hire Mike Babcock as Head Coach

    The Edmonton Oilers named Mike Babcock as their new head coach on Tuesday. Babcock replaces Kris Knoblauch after the NHL cleared him to coach following a review of his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 63-year-old returned to the bench after meeting with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman.

    What's confirmed:

    • The Edmonton Oilers named Mike Babcock head coach on Tuesday, replacing Kris Knoblauch.
    • Babcock is 63 years old.
    • The NHL completed a review of Babcock's tenure in Columbus and found no basis to restrict his employment.
    • Babcock met with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman before deciding to return to the NHL.
    • Babcock previously coached the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
    • Babcock led Detroit to a Stanley Cup in 2008 and Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Babcock's 2023 resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets was prompted by staff issues.
    • The Oilers hired Babcock due to internal organizational pressure.
    • Babcock's requests to view personal photos from players' phones led to criticism during his time with the Blue Jackets.
    • The Oilers' coaching staff is already setting boundaries for Connor McDavid.
    confidence 95%

  3. NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Return to Coaching

    The NHL finished its investigation into Mike Babcock's time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The league found no basis for further action regarding his alleged conduct. He is now eligible for hire by any team.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus and associated alleged conduct.
    • Mike Babcock is cleared to be hired by any team.
    confidence 100%

  4. NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Return to Coaching

    The NHL finished a review of Mike Babcock's 2023 tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The league has cleared him to return to coaching. This investigation followed a request from the NHL Players' Association.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL cleared Mike Babcock to coach again following an investigation into his 2023 tenure with the Blue Jackets.
    • The league completed a review of Babcock's time in Columbus.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Edmonton Oilers want to hire Babcock as their next head coach.
    confidence 90%

  5. NHL Clears Mike Babcock to Return to Coaching

    The NHL has completed an investigation into Mike Babcock's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The league found no basis to restrict his employment. Babcock is now cleared to return to coaching in the NHL.

    What's confirmed:

    • The NHL has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus.
    • The league found no basis to restrict Babcock's employment in the league.
    • The NHL cleared Mike Babcock to return to coaching.
    • The investigation was prompted by an NHLPA recommendation after the Edmonton Oilers showed interest in hiring Babcock.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The Edmonton Oilers are expected to officially hire Mike Babcock soon.
    • The Edmonton Oilers are pursuing Mike Babcock for their head coach opening.
    confidence 100%