Mike Babcock's fate is sealed.

Recent reports surrounding the hiring of controversial National Hockey League head coach Mike Babcock to be the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers would lead you to believe that there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Babcock's future in the NHL, but it now sounds like reports of that nature may have been very premature.

NHL insider Chris Johnston has just shared the latest on what is going on behind the scenes with Babcock, the Oilers and the investigation requested by the National Hockey League Players Association. On his most recent podcast, Johnston revealed that sources close to the controversy that occurred during Babcock's incredibly short tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets revealed to him that it was very unlikely that Babcock would face any issues from the NHL as it pertains to once again becoming a head coach in the league.

"I'll tell you candidly but I know people that were right there and have more of a sense of what happened than me and they think he's gonna be allowed to work," admitted Chris Johnston.

Interestingly enough, while the NHLPA's request for an investigation is what has thrown a wrench into this coaching hire, according to Johnston there is no question that the decision to pursue Babcock was one motivated by the players on the Oilers roster.

"It does seem to be the will of that core, that group of players, that thinks maybe they need someone that is a little harder on them and in ways that Mike Babcock is known to be," said Johnston.

In fact according to Johnston those players influenced the decision more than any other situation he has been familiar with in the NHL's past.

"It's an important element I would say," admitted Johnston. "Those players are probably more involved or have been more involved in management discussions about the new head coach than I think is current standard in the NHL."

So much so that the players were involved in interviewing the candidates directly.

"That's what happened in Edmonton," said Johnston. "You had the [Connor] McDavid's and some of the other trusted players on that team having conversations directly with multiple candidates that were up for this job."

With such a strong push from some of the most influential players in the NHL today, it seems like a forgone conclusion that Mike Babcock will be the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.