More serious allegations surface as Mike Babcock eyes NHL comeback

Mike Babcock’s path back to an NHL bench may have just become significantly more complicated with today’s latest reports.

While the Edmonton Oilers continue advancing toward what many believe will be Babcock’s eventual hiring as head coach, new details have emerged regarding both Edmonton’s internal evaluation process and an ongoing NHL review tied to his controversial departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, Babcock faced intense questioning during a recent meeting with Oilers leadership.

“Mike Babcock…was grilled by the Oilers leaders in a meeting last week — asked about former transgressions; they came away with one implicit instruction for general manager Stan Bowman: ‘This is our guy. We want to be pushed,’” Spector reported.

Despite the difficult interview, the veteran coach reportedly left a strong impression on key decision-makers.

However, the situation remains far from finalized.

Insider Frank Seravalli reported Wednesday that the NHL is now in possession of what sources describe as “significant” additional claims connected to the circumstances surrounding Babcock’s resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. According to Seravalli, some of those claims were presented before Babcock ultimately stepped down from the position.

Seravalli adds" "Furthermore, sources indicate that asking players to see photos is NOT what ultimately resulted in Babcock’s resignation. It was the subsequent (unknown) allegation reported below that cost Babcock his job in Columbus."

Babcock resigned before coaching a regular-season game in Columbus after allegations surfaced that he had asked players to show him personal photos stored on their phones. The controversy led to a review by the NHLPA, but no formal investigation was completed after Babcock voluntarily resigned.

That unfinished process has now returned to the spotlight as Edmonton considers handing one of hockey’s most recognizable coaches another opportunity behind an NHL bench.

Now, with new information continuing to emerge, questions surrounding Babcock’s potential return are far from settled. Especially with the NHL moving ahead with its investigation. Darren Dreger adds that if "Babcock were to back out at this stage, a league source says there would be no reason to investigate."