The latest instalment in the Mike Babcock Saga is reaching its next phase.
We've already seen the news break, we've already seen the Edmonton Oilers front office get absolutely torched by the media and fans, and we've seen the NHL and NHL Players' Association step in through their own methods.
But after a few days away from the regular media cycle, it seems that the eye of the storm has passed and that the Babcock news could only get more intense.
This comes as Chris Johnston claimed that there could be a resolution in favor of Babcock, which would clear the path for him to coach again.
Chris Johnston: Re Mike Babcock investigation: I've seen other reporting, but...I know people that were right there and kind of have more of a sense of exactly what happened...they think he's going to be allowed to work - Chris Johnston Show (6/12)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 13, 2026
The potential go-ahead for Babcock to return to coaching could easily serve as the insurance marker for Edmonton's front office as they look to wrap up the coaching search that was initiated with the firing of Kris Knoblauch, who guided the Oilers to two Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.
There is still some hope for the investigation to render something that hinders Edmonton's case
While it is suggested that Babcock will receive the approval required to return to NHL coaching, there is some optimism for those of the anti-Babcock camp.
Alongside mention of Johnston's quote, NHL Rumour Report made note of a statement provided by Elliotte Friedman. What he said doesn't necessarily go against any potential move, but he did urge some caution when it comes to Babcock's potential return. Specifically, he noted that any investigation could cover everything that happened within the Columbus Blue Jackets locker room, not just the incident that directly contributed to Babcock's resignation. For clarity, the incident in question involved Babcock going through players' phones and looking at private information.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Mike Babcock investigation: There's no CBA between the coaches and the league; Gary Bettman has a lot of power because of that; I don't know how he's gonna rule; I'm sure he's gonna be looking to find out whatever else may have happened - 32 Thoughts (6/12)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 13, 2026
We don't necessarily know what exactly the "whatever else may have happened" that Friedman referred to might actually be. But Friedman's suggestion does align with some of the claims that the NHLPA has made since the original rumor of Babcock's hiring emerged. Just recently, it was suggested that the Players' Association had additional information provided with regard to Babcock and his tenure in Columbus. It was written that the information received was not related to the incident that forced him out of Columbus, and that such instances could be attributed to Babcock leaving.
Whether those instances have already been considered or not remains to be seen, but it's clear that Babcock could be on his way back into the league after a three-year absence.
The question now, at least barring any potential changes in the wind, is what form that will take.
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