The Mike Babcock returning-to-coaching-in-the-NHL saga has a new update.
Previously, it was thought that an NHL investigation into Babcock’s conduct at his last job with the Columbus Blue Jackets might deter the Edmonton Oilers from ultimately hiring him, but it appears that may not be the case.
On the latest episode of the Chris Johnston Show, Johnston reported that people close to the Babcock situation believe he will be allowed to work once the investigation is complete. However, the hockey insider emphasized that no final decision has been made yet and that he was just sharing his sources’ opinions.
“A lot of people that I know, people that were right there and kind of have more sense of exactly what happened, think he’s going to be allowed to work,” Johnston said. “But, let’s not prejudge an investigation because perhaps there are some things that went on that I’m not sure about.”
Johnston’s co-host, Julian McKenzie, also further confirmed that the Oilers’ leadership group, which includes superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has already spoken with Babcock and is on board with his potential hiring.
The league’s investigation into Babcock appears set to delve into allegations beyond the well-known cell phone controversy, with undisclosed additional claims coming to light that were the ultimate reason for Babcock’s resignation. Since he resigned, rather than being released or suspended by the league, the investigations into those claims have not been conducted, and the NHLPA is insisting that the process be completed before Babcock can get back behind a bench.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also relayed that Babcock may have resigned to avoid the investigation, deeming the hassle and potential findings not worth it. Johnston also questioned how worth it the process of an investigation would be for the league, the Edmonton Oilers (or whatever team may want to hire him), and Babcock himself.
“Is it worth it for anyone involved, including Mike Babcock?” Johnston asked on the recent episode. “I mean, does he want to subject himself to whatever this investigation ends up looking like? Does he want to participate? I do have a sense that he feels he didn’t do anything like that. What happened in Columbus was unfortunate, but maybe the way it’s being portrayed is a little overblown, and perhaps an investigation could show that. Obviously, it could show the opposite, too.”
Amongst the continued drama with Babcock, Darryl Sutter was mentioned as a possible candidate for Edmonton’s coaching gig. The Oilers have a vacancy after firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round exit from this year’s postseason.
Additionally, with the season ending next week and the Vegas Golden Knights no longer actively focused on the Stanley Cup, Bruce Cassidy could become a legitimate option for teams again. However, Vegas may still not want to allow its former bench boss to interview with a direct divisional rival.
