The NHL has completed a review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus and cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they choose to hire him.

Background

The league launched an investigation at the request of the NHL Players’ Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league stated that even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock’s employment.

Babcock, 63, has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when he was fired by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. He was hired by the Blue Jackets on July 1, 2023, but resigned in September after his requests for personal photos from players drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.

Babcock has a notable coaching record, having guided Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.