New bombshell report directly links star player to Mike Babcock investigation

There is a significant development in what has become one of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason. Mike Babcock remains at the center of a league investigation tied to his abrupt departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2023. At the request of the NHL Players’ Association, the NHL has launched a formal review that includes examining additional claims that were not publicly reported at the time of his resignation. Until that investigation is completed, the Edmonton Oilers cannot officially finalize Babcock’s hiring.

According to a huge report from Andy Strickland, one player who’s involved in the investigation is none other than forward Patrik Laine.

The revelation adds a concrete and deeply personal dimension to a case already shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions. Laine, who was a member of the Blue Jackets during Babcock’s brief and turbulent tenure as head coach, is reportedly directly involved in the matters being examined by the league.

We all remember the scandal that forced Babcock to resign before he even coached a single game with the Blue Jackets. At the time, the NHL was preparing to launch a formal investigation, but Babcock’s departure effectively short-circuited the process before it could truly get underway. Now, with the Oilers expressing serious interest in bringing Babcock back behind an NHL bench, the league has been compelled to revisit what happened in Columbus.

The NHL Players’ Association has formally requested that the league conduct a thorough investigation before Edmonton can finalize any coaching hire. According to multiple reports, the NHLPA is said to possess significant allegations gathered during its own internal inquiry with players, allegations that have never been made public. The fact that Laine’s name has surfaced in this context suggests he may be one of the key figures connected to those undisclosed revelations.

What makes the situation even more unsettling is the widely reported phone photo incident, in which Babcock allegedly asked young players to show him personal images stored on their devices. However, that episode reportedly was not the primary reason for his forced exit from Columbus. A subsequent allegation, still unknown to the public, is believed to have been the true catalyst. Laine’s connection to the investigation raises the possibility that the Finnish forward is linked to this still-secret part of the story. It is worth noting that during his time in Columbus, Laine was dealing with mental health struggles, and not long after Babcock’s departure, he requested a trade.

There is now expectations that the Babcock file will move toward a swift resolution. The league had reportedly been reluctant to stir up controversy during the playoffs, but that reason for delay no longer exists. Significant developments are anticipated in the coming days.

For the Oilers, the situation grows more precarious by the hour. The organization had hoped to make a splash by hiring a coach with a proven track record, but the risks associated with Babcock continue to mount as new details emerge. The involvement of a high-profile player like Laine amplifies the media scrutiny and raises the stakes considerably.

Adding further tension to the matter, at least one Oilers player has reportedly threatened to request a trade if Babcock is ultimately hired as head coach, a clear sign of the deep unease the coaching candidate generates even within the team’s own locker room. The days ahead could prove pivotal not only for Babcock’s future in professional hockey, but also for what the investigation might finally reveal about what truly transpired in Columbus.