Oilers begin coaching search after Knoblauch exit, face hurdles
Oilers fired Knoblauch and face obstacles in their coaching search after Vegas blocked Cassidy interview.
Event / Sports
Mike Babcock NHL Coaching Investigation
The NHLPA requested the NHL investigate Mike Babcock's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before he can be hired by another team. Babcock resigned from Columbus in September 2023 after less than three months following criticism over requests for personal player photos. The investigation concerns player treatment and Babcock's coaching methods, which have drawn criticism from former players.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Jun, 03:06 UTC
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What happened
Mike Babcock resigned from Columbus Blue Jackets after requesting player photos
Mike Babcock resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023, less than three months after taking the job. His requests for personal photos from players to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy. NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh stated that players did not receive respectful workplace treatment.
Vegas Golden Knights reject Oilers request to interview coach Bruce Cassidy
The Edmonton Oilers requested permission from the Vegas Golden Knights to speak with recently fired coach Bruce Cassidy. The Golden Knights rejected the request because Cassidy remains under contract through the next season.
Johan Franzen details negative experience under Babcock's coaching
Former Detroit Red Wings player Johan Franzen told a Swedish outlet that Mike Babcock was the worst person he had ever met. Franzen said he was terrified to go to the rink at one point during his time under Babcock's coaching.
Edmonton Oilers fire coach Kris Knoblauch after first-round playoff exit
The Edmonton Oilers fired head coach Kris Knoblauch following their first-round playoff exit. This came despite the team making back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in previous seasons. The Oilers are now searching for a replacement coach.
NHL Deputy Commissioner says Vegas within contractual rights to deny Cassidy interview
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the Vegas Golden Knights did not violate any league rules by denying the Edmonton Oilers permission to interview coach Bruce Cassidy. Daly stated that Vegas is clearly within their contractual rights in the matter.
NHL dropped investigation into Babcock after his resignation from Blue Jackets
The NHL dropped its planned investigation into Mike Babcock's conduct with the Columbus Blue Jackets after he resigned from the position. The union had reviewed the situation but the investigation was not pursued further.
Babcock fired by Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into 2019-20 season
Mike Babcock was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season. He has not coached a game in the NHL since that firing. Reports later surfaced that he had asked a player to rank teammates by work ethic and then shared the ranking with the team.
NHLPA requests league investigation of Mike Babcock before potential Oilers hiring
The NHL Players' Association asked the NHL to investigate Mike Babcock's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before the Edmonton Oilers or any other team hires him as coach. The request was made after reports that the Oilers expressed interest in hiring Babcock. All coaching hires are subject to league approval.
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2 alternative perspectives
NHLPA seeks investigation into Babcock amid coaching history concerns
NHLPA sought investigation into Babcock's coaching history before potential Oilers hire.