Babcock inquiry complicates Oilers' coaching search

The NHL Players' Association has requested a full investigation into Mike Babcock's past, particularly his tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, prior to the Edmonton Oilers potentially hiring him.

Babcock, who resigned from the Blue Jackets just months after being hired due to allegations of violating players' privacy by requesting to see their cellphone photos, has a controversial history that continues to haunt him.

Sources indicate that the NHLPA expects the investigation to be thorough and that it could involve interviewing players and staff from the Blue Jackets, which complicates the Oilers' coaching search. The Oilers had been in talks with Babcock as a replacement for Kris Knoblauch, but the situation has drawn significant backlash from fans and players alike, with concerns that it could impact the team’s relationship with star players like Connor McDavid.

Meanwhile, the Oilers have already missed out on other coaching candidates, such as Peter Laviolette, and may need to consider alternatives as the investigation unfolds. Given the scrutiny surrounding Babcock's hiring, it remains to be seen whether he will ultimately be a viable candidate for the Oilers, or if the team will opt to remove him from consideration to preserve its image.

According to ESPN, the Oilers' core leadership group has been consulted regarding Babcock's potential hiring, but the NHLPA's request for an investigation underscores the complexities teams face in balancing coaching needs with player relations and past controversies.