NHLPA Demands Investigation Before Oilers Can Hire Mike Babcock

The Edmonton Oilers are facing a major hurdle in their pursuit of Mike Babcock as the NHL Players’ Association has formally requested the league investigate the former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach before he can be hired. According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the NHLPA is pushing for a full probe into allegations that Babcock violated player privacy during his time with the Blue Jackets. The league is expected to move forward with the process, potentially delaying or even blocking the Oilers from finalizing the hire.

This development is a direct result of the NHLPA’s stance that Babcock should not return to the NHL without a full accounting of his past actions. Frank Seravalli reports that the union specifically asked the league to delay the hiring until the investigation is complete. “Sources say the NHLPA has specifically requested that the NHL delay Mike Babcock’s hiring by the Edmonton Oilers until a formal investigation can be completed,” Seravalli wrote.

The investigation is not new. Elliotte Friedman notes that the league had prepared to look into the situation with the Blue Jackets until Babcock resigned in September 2023. Once he stepped down, the process stalled. Now, with the Oilers showing interest in bringing him back, the NHLPA is insisting the process resume. “The union’s current position is that this should happen, and conclusions reached, before he should be eligible now,” Friedman reported.

For the Oilers, this creates a significant risk. If they move forward and the investigation finds wrongdoing, the NHL could fine or suspend Babcock. In the worst-case scenario, the league could void the contract, leaving the team in a difficult position with a coaching vacancy. With the NHL expected to take at least a few weeks to complete the process, the Oilers now face a tough choice: wait and risk missing out on Babcock or proceed and risk potential fallout.

Other options are on the table. Bruce Cassidy is under contract with the Vegas Golden Knights until the end of the 2026 season, but the Oilers could pursue him if a trade becomes possible. John Tortorella is also a viable alternative, with the potential to be available by late June. Both coaches bring a hard-nosed, winning style that aligns with the Oilers’ direction and come without the controversy linked to Babcock.

The Oilers have until the end of June to make a decision. If the NHLPA and league move quickly, the investigation could be completed before then. But with no timeline yet provided, the Oilers are in uncharted territory. The next few weeks will determine whether they proceed with Babcock or pivot to another candidate.