NHL Eyes Approval for Mike Babcock to Coach Oilers Amid Ongoing Probe

The Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of potentially hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, the league is expected to clear Babcock for the position as early as this week. Although an investigation into his actions during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets is still underway, sources close to the situation indicate the NHL is leaning toward allowing him to return to coaching.

Babcock resigned as head coach of the Blue Jackets in September 2023 after it was revealed he had accessed players’ cell phones to better understand them. While some players were unaffected, others found the behavior intrusive. The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) launched an investigation, prompting Babcock to step away from the league. The Blue Jackets issued a statement at the time, admitting they “made a mistake” in hiring him.

In the years since, Babcock has remained absent from the NHL. Multiple coaching vacancies opened during that time, but his name never surfaced as a candidate. The Oilers, however, have struggled to find a long-term replacement for Jay Woodcroft, who was fired in early 2026 after the team finished with a 32-35-10 record in the regular season. Babcock’s name only resurfaced this summer after the Oilers failed in multiple coaching searches.

Johnston noted that while there are still rumors about additional undisclosed conduct, these claims appear to be overblown. “I’ve seen other reporting, but… I know people that were right there and kind of have more of a sense of exactly what happened… they think he’s going to be allowed to work,” he said.

The Oilers have reportedly sought approval from both the NHL and the NHLPA before making a move. If the league grants clearance, Babcock could be officially named head coach within the next seven days. His potential hiring would mark a dramatic turnaround for a franchise in transition, and a surprising return for one of the league’s most experienced coaches.

The NHL investigation is expected to conclude within the next two weeks, but the league may move ahead with its approval before that date. If Babcock is cleared, the Oilers will immediately begin finalizing the hiring process. The team’s management has remained silent on the matter, but the timeline suggests a decision could come as early as Monday, June 23.