The Edmonton Oilers' controversial search for a new head coach has officially caught the attention of the NHL Players' Association.
According to multiple reports, including insider Frank Seravalli, the NHLPA has stepped in and formally requested that the NHL conduct a full investigation into Mike Babcock's brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Furthermore, the union has specifically asked that the Oilers delay any official hiring of the veteran bench boss until this investigation is thoroughly completed.
To add to @DarrenDreger’s report, sources say the NHLPA has specifically requested that the NHL delay Mike Babcock’s hiring by the Edmonton Oilers until a formal investigation can be completed. https://t.co/CakDh2SQIN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 10, 2026
The NHLPA's request stems directly from Babcock's disastrous, short-lived stint in Columbus.
Babcock was hired by the Blue Jackets ahead of the 2023-24 campaign but was forced to resign in September before ever coaching a regular-season game, following allegations regarding his conduct. Reports surfaced that Babcock had invaded the privacy of several younger players by requesting to look through the personal photos on their cell phones as an "intimidation tactic" under the guise of getting to know them.
Once universally regarded as one of the premier coaches in the sport, boasting a 2008 Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada, Babcock's reputation has taken significant hits over the last several years. Following his firing from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019, multiple reports surfaced detailing manipulative and mentally abusive tactics toward his players, most notably an incident involving a young Mitch Marner.