The Edmonton Oilers' coaching search has taken another bizarre turn as the National Hockey League Players Association formally requested the NHL to investigate incidents involving Mike Babcock from 2023, which led to his resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The NHL has agreed to the investigation, putting the Oilers' plans on hold once again.
Investigation Details
The NHL initially stated it would not investigate until the Oilers officially announced Babcock as their coach. However, pressure from the NHLPA prompted the league to act. The probe focuses on allegations that Babcock pressured players to hand over their cell phones so he could scroll through personal photos. Babcock claims it was merely about sharing family photos and getting to know players better.
Oilers' Stalled Search
This development leaves the Oilers in limbo, unable to finalize their coaching hire. After waiting for the Vegas Golden Knights to decide on Bruce Cassidy's availability, Edmonton now faces uncertainty over their second choice. The situation has been described as a bizarre sitcom, with the Oilers seemingly stuck in a cycle of delays.
If the NHL determines Babcock ineligible, the Oilers would need to restart their search. However, the league has historically been lenient in such matters. The investigation raises questions about how deep the issues run and whether the Oilers have a threshold for acceptable conduct.
Background
Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets before coaching a game, following an NHLPA inquiry. The team's president admitted it was a mistake to hire him. Now, the Oilers await the investigation's outcome, hoping to avoid further embarrassment.
