Oilers Big Fear Related to Babcock Hiring Has Happened

As the Edmonton Oilers express their interest in hiring former NHL coach Mike Babcock, the concerns that there may be lingering issues from his last run in the league are becoming a reality. For the Oilers, this might be about more than optics. The NHLPA does not want him back and the league is now going to be investigating him if the Oilers proceed.

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TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the NHLPA has asked the NHL to move forward with an investigation into the allegations against Babcock. The latest issue is that he invaded players’ privacy during his time in Columbus. Frank Seravalli adds, “To add to @DarrenDreger’s report, 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.”

In other words, the NHLPA was never going to sweep this under the rug. They’re taking a stance and putting up roadblocks to ensure that Babcock isn’t allowed back into the NHL without a thorough investigation into his behavior. While not a shock, this isn’t great news for the Oilers. Furthermore, there’s no indication about how long this could take.

Elliotte Friedman reports, “According to those same sources, at issue is the fact that the league was prepared to investigate what happened with the Blue Jackets until Babcock resigned in September of 2023. Once he stepped down, it never happened. The union’s current position is that this should happen — and conclusions reached — before he should be eligible now.”

While the NHL hasn’t commented, it is expected to conduct the investigation.

What Does This Mean for the Oilers?

If the Oilers sign Babcock in the meantime, there is a chance that, after he is hired, the NHL could come back and fine or suspend him, potentially even void the contract. That would create an entirely new situation that the Oilers would have to navigate.

As one fan put it, given that this investigation is likely to last at least a week or two, why wouldn’t the Oilers just wait? See if Vegas ultimately makes Bruce Cassidy available, or talk to John Tortorella at the end of June. Both coaches have a winning pedigree and are known to employ the harder style the Oilers are clearly looking for. Neither comes with this kind of drama either.

And, while I’ve not been able to confirm how it would work, if the Oilers hire Babcock and there are complications that come out of the NHL’s findings, it could impact their ability to hire anyone else as the drama gets sorted out.

Next: The Oilers May Make Their Biggest Gamble Yet