NHL clears Babcock to coach as Oilers show interest
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:54 PM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
The NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to coach again as of June 18, 2026, following an investigation into his handling of players during his tenure with the Blue Jackets in 2023. This decision comes amid reported interest from the Edmonton Oilers in hiring Babcock as their head coach. Babcock previously faced scrutiny regarding his coaching methods, prompting the league's investigation. His potential hiring by the Oilers signals a notable shift in their coaching strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- •NHL clears Mike Babcock to return to coaching as of June 18, 2026.
- •Investigation followed his short tenure with the Blue Jackets in 2023.
- •Oilers are expressing interest in hiring Babcock as head coach.
- •Babcock previously faced scrutiny regarding coaching methods.
- •Oilers' potential decision reflects a change in their coaching strategy.
- 11:04 PMYahoo Sports — NHL investigation clears Mike Babcock for return to coaching
- 5:51 PMYahoo Sports — Oilers get green light as NHL clears coach Mike Babcock
- 5:43 PMESPN — NHL clears Babcock to coach amid Oilers' interest
- 4:55 PMYahoo Sports — NHL clears Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers after review of his Columbus tenure
"The NHL said Thursday it completed a review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him. The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment.
"The Edmonton Oilers moved one step closer to hiring Mike Babcock. This development came after the NHL officially cleared the veteran coach following its review of his brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a statement released Thursday, the…
"Following an investigation into his brief tenure with the Blue Jackets in 2023, the NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to coach again amid the Oilers' interest in hiring him.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 11:04 PMNHL investigation clears Mike Babcock for return to coaching
The NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to coach again after investigating his controversial exit from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 5:51 PMOilers get green light as NHL clears coach Mike Babcock
The Edmonton Oilers moved one step closer to hiring Mike Babcock. This development came after the NHL officially cleared the veteran coach following its review of his brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a statement released Thursday, the…
- ESPNJun 18, 2026, 5:43 PMNHL clears Babcock to coach amid Oilers' interest
Following an investigation into his brief tenure with the Blue Jackets in 2023, the NHL has cleared Mike Babcock to coach again amid the Oilers' interest in hiring him.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 4:55 PMNHL clears Mike Babcock to coach the Oilers after review of his Columbus tenure
The NHL said Thursday it completed a review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him. The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- Hockey•Jun 19, 2026, 10:06 AMWill Zach Werenski request a trade from Columbus Blue Jackets?
- NHL•Jun 18, 2026, 8:20 PMFormer top-5 pick could be traded before NHL free agency: Report
- NHL•Jun 18, 2026, 4:45 PM’He’s A Bully’ — Ex-Maple Leafs Fan Favorite Warns Connor McDavid’s Oilers Against Hiring Mike Babcock
- NHL•Jun 18, 2026, 4:42 PMNHL Insider Reveals Major Dylan Larkin Trade Update for Detroit Red Wings
- NHL•Jun 18, 2026, 10:48 AM‘What The Hell Is Mike Babcock Gonna Say?’ — Paul Bissonnette Warns Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid
- NHL•Jun 18, 2026, 10:04 AM2025-26 Season In Review: Kris Letang
