We now know the rumored number 1 team on Darnell Nurse's trade list

It's official, the Edmonton Oilers are hiring Mike Babcock.

Concluding today's investigation by the NHL and the NHLPA, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that the Oilers are now officially undergoing contract negotiations to hire Babcock as their new head coach.

Earlier today, the NHL announced that it has completed its investigation of former head coach Mike Babcock and has officially ruled that he is eligible to return to the league.

From NHL commissioner Gary Bettman:

“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”

The ball is officially in your court, Stan Bowman.

The complete impact of this move remains to be seen but we now know that at least two players won't be returning to Edmonton next season, whether they have Babcock behind the bench or not.

NHL insider David Pagnotta reports today that veterans Adam Henrique and Jack Roslovic will be moving on this offseason.

From Pagnotta earlier today:

After scoring 21 goals with the Edmonton Oilers this season, it sounds like Jack Roslovic will be hitting the free agent next month. Adam Henrique is not expected back in Edmonton, either.

Again, it's not clear if these departures have anything to do with Babcock or not, but... really... would you be surprised?

Of course, we already know that defenseman Darnell Nurse will be moving on from the team this offseason after he demanded a trade a week or so ago. The issue, of course, is that Nurse has a no-trade clause and he has control over where he ultimately ends up via trade.

Pagnotta also reported today that he believes the Pittsburgh Penguins are the #1 team on Nurse's trade list.

Again, from Pagnotta:

Pittsburgh may be No.1 on Darnell Nurse’s list of five teams he would waive for, and the Penguins and Oilers have been discussing a potential trade. Edmonton GM Stan Bowman is not going to rush into a move, but some believe we’ll see a trade around the NHL Draft.

Crosby for Nurse, who says no?

Of course, I'm kidding... but it makes a lot of sense for a team like the Penguins to be in on Nurse. After all, GM Kyle Dubas has shown that he's intent on making the most of Sidney Crosby's final years with the team and he wants to add veterans to his lineup. Stay tuned, we could be in for a blockbuster here.