NHLPA prepares for inquiry into Babcock's tenure in Columbus
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 3:42 PM
Last updated Jun 10, 2026
The NHLPA is anticipating a full investigation by the NHL into Mike Babcock's brief time as head coach in Columbus during 2023. This scrutiny must be completed before the Edmonton Oilers can proceed with hiring Babcock. The review stems from various concerns raised during his tenure and could impact future coaching decisions.
- •NHLPA expects a complete NHL investigation into Babcock's time in 2023.
- •Babcock's potential hiring by the Oilers awaits the investigation's outcome.
- •Concerns regarding Babcock's coaching methods led to this inquiry.
- 5:24 PMYahoo Sports — Players’ union reportedly asks NHL for a Mike Babcock investigation if Oilers want to hire him
- 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — Players' union asks NHL for a Mike Babcock investigation if Oilers want to hire him, AP sources say
- 4:38 PMESPN — Sources: NHLPA eyes Babcock inquiry on '23 case
"The NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to investigate Mike Babcock’s ill-fated tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before Edmonton or any other NHL team can hire him as coach, two people with knowledge of the discussions said Wednesday. The request followed reports that the Oilers expressed interest in hiring Babcock. It was not clear whether the league had resumed or restarted an investigation of the veteran coach who has drawn criticism in recent years for his approach with players.
"The NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to investigate Mike Babcock’s ill-fated tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before Edmonton or any other NHL team can hire him as coach, according to reports.
"The NHLPA expects a full NHL investigation of coach Mike Babcock's brief tenure in Columbus in 2023 before the Oilers can hire him, sources told ESPN.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 5:24 PMPlayers’ union reportedly asks NHL for a Mike Babcock investigation if Oilers want to hire him
The NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to investigate Mike Babcock’s ill-fated tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before Edmonton or any other NHL team can hire him as coach, according to reports.
- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 4:39 PMPlayers' union asks NHL for a Mike Babcock investigation if Oilers want to hire him, AP sources say
The NHL Players’ Association has asked the league to investigate Mike Babcock’s ill-fated tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets before Edmonton or any other NHL team can hire him as coach, two people with knowledge of the discussions said Wednesday. The request followed reports that the Oilers expressed interest in hiring Babcock. It was not clear whether the league had resumed or restarted an investigation of the veteran coach who has drawn criticism in recent years for his approach with players.
- ESPNJun 10, 2026, 4:38 PMSources: NHLPA eyes Babcock inquiry on '23 case
The NHLPA expects a full NHL investigation of coach Mike Babcock's brief tenure in Columbus in 2023 before the Oilers can hire him, sources told ESPN.
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