Mike Babcock is officially under investigation from NHL and NHLPA

The Edmonton Oilers' pursuit of veteran coach Mike Babcock has hit a significant roadblock, with the NHL Players' Association formally requesting a full investigation into allegations that Babcock violated players' privacy during his brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The development adds a layer of complexity to what was already shaping up to be one of the most controversial coaching hires in recent NHL history.

The NHLPA informed the Oilers on Tuesday that if the team intends to move forward with bringing Babcock on board, the union expects the league to conduct a thorough investigation into the events that led to his departure from Columbus nearly three years ago. According to multiple league sources, the NHL is prepared to carry out that investigation, but only once the Oilers confirm they are committed to making the hire.

The Columbus controversy and Babcock's coaching history

Babcock was named head coach of the Blue Jackets in July 2023, but his tenure ended before a single regular season game was played. Reports surfaced via the Spittin' Chiclets podcast alleging that Babcock had asked players to show him personal photos stored on their mobile devices. The allegations prompted swift backlash, and Babcock chose to resign rather than face the fallout.

At the time of his resignation, the NHLPA had been looking into the matter. However, because Babcock stepped away from the role voluntarily, a formal investigation was never completed. That unfinished business is now at the center of the current situation. The players' union has made it clear that it wants those allegations properly examined before Babcock is allowed to step behind an NHL bench again.

Prior to the Columbus debacle, Babcock had not coached an NHL game since November 2019, when the Toronto Maple Leafs dismissed him following a disappointing 9-10-4 start to the season. He had been just over four years into an eight-year contract with the Leafs at the time of his firing.

Despite the controversies, Babcock's resume remains one of the most decorated in hockey coaching history. He led the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship in 2008 and compiled a career regular season record of 700 wins, 418 losses, 164 overtime losses, and 19 ties. On the international stage, he guided Team Canada to Olympic gold medals at both the 2010 Vancouver Games and the 2014 Sochi Games. He also won gold at the 1997 World Junior Championship, the 2004 Men's World Championship, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

What happens next in Edmonton

The ball is now firmly in the Oilers' court. As of Tuesday evening, the NHL had not received word from the organization about how it plans to proceed. The league has made it clear that the investigation will only move forward if Edmonton confirms its intention to hire Babcock. Until then, the process remains in a holding pattern.

The Oilers are in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Kris Knoblauch in May. Knoblauch was let go following a first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks, a disappointing end to a season that had carried high expectations. Under Knoblauch's leadership, Edmonton had reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of the two previous seasons but came up short both times.

The potential hiring of Babcock would undoubtedly generate significant attention and debate across the hockey world. While his coaching credentials are virtually unmatched among available candidates, the unresolved allegations from Columbus remain a serious concern for the players' association and could prove to be a dealbreaker depending on what a full investigation uncovers.

For now, all eyes are on the Oilers as they weigh whether the potential reward of bringing in one of hockey's most accomplished coaches is worth navigating the investigation and scrutiny that would inevitably follow. The coming days should bring clarity on Edmonton's decision and whether the NHL will officially launch its inquiry into the events that ended Babcock's time in Columbus before it ever truly began.