The National Hockey League announced Thursday they have completed their investigation into the allegations against former NHL head coach, Mike Babcock. They also announced they have cleared him to return to the league and is free to work behind an NHL bench.
https://t.co/OckYQ4VuFP pic.twitter.com/nLWbhX1dmp
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2026
The NHL player's association, subsequently released a statement saying "While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment."
This clears the path for the Edmonton Oilers to hire Babcock to become their next head coach, replacing former bench boss, Kris Knoblauch after he was fired following the Oilers first round exit. It also comes after it was revealed that the Vegas Golden Knights withheld permission for the club to interview Bruce Cassidy for the job.
According to Sportsnet's NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers are expected to formally begin the process to hire Babcock and he should be officially named coach next week.
Now that the league has cleared Mike Babcock, word is the Oilers will formally begin the process of hiring him — contract negotiations, etc.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2026
Assuming no snags, timeline appears to be early next week.
Mike Babcock controversy
Formerly one of the league's most prestigious coaches, Babcock has seen a substantial fall from grace. When the Toronto Maple Leafs hired him in 2015, he was at the height of his career. He had been a longterm coach for the Detroit Red Wings, winning a Stanley Cup and making another Finals appearance. He also was the head coach for Team Canada, leading them to two Olympic gold medals at the Vancouver 2010 games and Sochi 2014 games.
After four seasons behind the bench for the Leafs, it was revealed that Babcock had been accused of 'bullying' Leafs rookie at the time, Mitch Marner. In light of this being revealed, there were other stories that resurfaced with many former players coming out against Babcock including disturbing stories surrounding his mistreatment of former Red Wings forward, Johan Franzen.
Now, the Oilers brass are keen to make him their next head coach with reported full support from their star players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Although he has yet to take over and there is much fan backlash to his hiring, he is expected to be named the next head coach of the Oilers.
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