The Carolina Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup in 20 years on Sunday. With the conclusion of the 2025–2026 NHL season, the league has now decided to begin its investigation into Mike Babcock ahead of his potential hiring as the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
Earlier in June, it was revealed that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach. The Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch on May 14 after being eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs.
READ MORE: NHL urged to investigate Mike Babcock before Oilers hire
Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers
But Mike Babcock is not an easy hire. His last NHL coaching job was with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock in 2023, but he resigned before coaching a single game. He stepped down after allegations surfaced that he had violated players’ privacy. No formal investigation was conducted at the time. However, ahead of his potential hiring by the Oilers, the NHL is now set to conduct that investigation at the urging of the NHLPA.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the league will speak with several parties as part of its investigation. Including the people that were in Columbus back in 2023. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the Oilers should be allowed to hire Mike Babcock. Or whether any disciplinary action is warranted if the league concludes that Babcock acted improperly.
Fans are outraged
Fans have expressed outrage that the Oilers are still considering hiring Mike Babcock despite the investigation.
“The guy is a goof! Get a new coach! Stop this embarrassing nonsense for the city of Edmonton!” one fan wrote on X.
“The fact that there still has to be an investigation is all the evidence any smart GM with a sliver of integrity should need to know this is NOT who we should be considering. Babcock’s arrogance and abusive methods are well documented by former players and are far too numerous to ignore. Wake the fuck up, Bowman!” another fan wrote.
“Won’t someone just save the Oilers from themselves this year?” a third fan sarcastically asked.
READ MORE: Bruce Boudreau’s honest words about Mike Babcock
