NHL investigates Mike Babcock's resignation from Blue Jackets in 2023
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 8:32 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
The NHL has launched an investigation into Mike Babcock’s resignation as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, occurring in September 2023. Babcock resigned before coaching a game amid criticism over his conduct, including requests for personal photos from players. The inquiry was prompted by a request from the Players’ Association and will examine the circumstances leading to his resignation. The league postponed the investigation until after the Stanley Cup Final, which concluded with Carolina’s victory over Vegas.
- •Babcock resigned less than three months after being hired.
- •The Players' Association requested the investigation last week.
- •Concerns about Babcock’s approach stem from past player complaints.
- •The Oilers are seeking a head coach following Kris Knoblauch's firing.
- •Babcock has not coached since being fired by Toronto in 2019.
- 3:36 PMYahoo Sports — NHL reportedly will investigate Mike Babcock’s resignation from Columbus in 2023
- 9:52 PMESPN NHL — Report: NHL to review Babcock's CBJ resignation
- 8:32 PMYahoo Sports — NHL to investigate Mike Babcock's resignation from Columbus in 2023, AP source says
"The NHL is beginning an investigation into Mike Babcock’s resignation as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before he coached a game for them, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the investigation is being done privately. The Players’ Association requested the investigation last week after word emerged that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring Babcock.
"The NHL is beginning an investigation into Mike Babcock's resignation as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before he coached a game for them, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
"The Players’ Association requested the investigation after word emerged that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring Mike Babcock.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:36 PMNHL reportedly will investigate Mike Babcock’s resignation from Columbus in 2023
The Players’ Association requested the investigation after word emerged that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring Mike Babcock.
- ESPN NHLJun 15, 2026, 9:52 PMReport: NHL to review Babcock's CBJ resignation
The NHL is beginning an investigation into Mike Babcock's resignation as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before he coached a game for them, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 8:32 PMNHL to investigate Mike Babcock's resignation from Columbus in 2023, AP source says
The NHL is beginning an investigation into Mike Babcock’s resignation as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before he coached a game for them, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the investigation is being done privately. The Players’ Association requested the investigation last week after word emerged that the Edmonton Oilers were interested in hiring Babcock.
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