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Mike Babcock NHL Coaching Clearance
The NHL completed a review of Mike Babcock's tenure and conduct across multiple teams, clearing him to coach the Edmonton Oilers after his resignation from Columbus in September 2023 following allegations about requesting personal photos from players.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 19 Jun, 01:34 UTC
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What happened
NHL completes review of Mike Babcock's Columbus tenure and clears him to coach
The NHL completed a review of Mike Babcock's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets at the request of the NHL Players' Association. The league determined that even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock's employment, clearing him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they choose to hire him.
Mike Babcock fired by Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019
Mike Babcock was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019, 23 games into his fifth season in charge. He had not coached in the NHL since that dismissal until the Columbus opportunity.
NHLPA statement calls Babcock allegations very concerning
The NHL Players' Association issued a statement calling the allegations against Babcock very concerning and stated that moving forward, they expect Babcock to uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.
Mike Babcock's coaching history includes Stanley Cup win with Detroit
Mike Babcock, age 63, coached the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory in 2008 and has made two other trips to the Stanley Cup Final. He also guided Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau confirmed Babcock requested personal photos
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner and the late Johnny Gaudreau confirmed that Babcock had asked to see personal photos from players but said they were not pressured to do so and understood it to be in the spirit of getting to know one another. Babcock reportedly also showed players photos from his phone.
Edmonton Oilers seeking head coach after firing Kris Knoblauch
The Edmonton Oilers have been searching for a head coach replacement after firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
Mike Babcock resigned from Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023
Mike Babcock resigned from his position with the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 after requesting personal photos from players during initial meetings with the team. The Blue Jackets had hired him on July 1, 2023, but he never coached a practice or game for the organization.
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2 alternative perspectives
NHL clears Mike Babcock to coach following Columbus investigation
NHL clears Babcock to coach after investigating allegations from his Columbus resignation.