It's official, the Oilers have hired Mike Babcock

It's official, the Edmonton Oilers have hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach.

Today's news ends weeks of speculation that culminated in an NHL and NHLPA join investigation into allegations that Babcock bullied and abused members of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets when he was in those organizations.

For better or worse now the Oilers are now Mike Babcock's team.

So... what do you think, Oilers fans? Good hire or big mistake?

The investigation into Babcock by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association has become one of the most closely watched off-ice stories in recent league history, particularly now that the Edmonton Oilers have officially hired the veteran coach as their new bench boss. The league announced last week that it had completed a review of Babcock’s controversial 2023 tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets and found no basis to prevent him from returning to NHL coaching.

The investigation stemmed from events that unfolded shortly after Babcock was hired by Columbus in the summer of 2023. Reports surfaced that he had asked players to share personal photographs from their cell phones during one-on-one meetings. While some veteran players, including captain Boone Jenner, publicly stated that they viewed the exercise as an attempt to build relationships and did not feel pressured, other players—particularly younger members of the organization—reportedly felt uncomfortable with the requests. The situation quickly escalated into an NHLPA review and ultimately contributed to Babcock’s resignation before he coached a single regular-season game for the Blue Jackets.

When Edmonton emerged as a potential landing spot for Babcock this summer, the NHLPA requested that the league formally revisit the circumstances surrounding his departure from Columbus. Union officials argued that because Babcock resigned before the NHL completed a full investigation in 2023, unresolved questions remained about his conduct and whether he should be permitted to return behind an NHL bench. Reports indicated that the Oilers consulted both the NHL and NHLPA throughout the hiring process while the review was underway.

The investigation reportedly included interviews and a review of information gathered by both the league and the players’ association. There were also reports that additional allegations beyond the cellphone-photo controversy were examined, although the league ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence to warrant restricting Babcock’s employment opportunities. The NHL’s final statement declared that there was “no current basis” to prevent him from coaching.

Now, with the Oilers officially moving forward, attention shifts from the investigation itself to what Babcock’s return means for one of the NHL’s highest-pressure markets. His coaching résumé remains among the most accomplished of his generation, highlighted by a Stanley Cup championship with the Detroit Red Wings and two Olympic gold medals with Canada. Yet his reputation has also been shaped by years of criticism regarding his treatment of players and management style.

For Edmonton, the decision represents a calculated gamble. The organization clearly believes Babcock can help maximize a roster built around stars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, the scrutiny surrounding his hiring ensures that every interaction with players and every challenge faced by the club will be viewed through the lens of the investigation that preceded his return. Whether this marks a successful second act for Babcock or reignites old concerns may ultimately become one of the defining stories of the Oilers’ upcoming season.