The Edmonton Oilers are looking to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach. But now, the NHLPA has asked the NHL to launch an investigation into Babcock before the Oilers move forward with a hiring decision.
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to bounce back in 2026–27 following a disappointing 2025–26 season.
Edmonton Oilers to hire Mike Babcock
After reaching two straight Stanley Cup Finals and losing both to the Florida Panthers, the Oilers were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of this year’s playoffs. They fired head coach Kris Knoblauch on May 14 and have been searching for his replacement ever since. On Monday, news broke that the Oilers are considering Mike Babcock as their next head coach.
Babcock’s last NHL coaching job came in 2019 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was later hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but resigned before coaching a game. Babcock stepped down after allegations surfaced that he had violated players’ privacy. He did so by asking to see photos on their cell phones.
NHL to investigate Mike Babcock
Now, the NHLPA has asked the NHL to investigate what happened in Columbus before the Edmonton Oilers can proceed with hiring Mike Babcock. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the NHL is waiting to see what the Oilers’ next move will be. If Edmonton decides to move forward with Babcock, the league is expected to launch an investigation.
Mike Babcock has recorded 700 wins as an NHL head coach, a total that ranks 12th in league history. In 2008, he coached the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship. He also won Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014. Along with a World Cup title in 2016.
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