According to sources, the Edmonton Oilers are looking into whether hiring Mike Babcock would be possible.
Jarmo Kekäläinen hired Mike Babcock to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. Babcock resigned before the start of the season. PDO
Inside reporter for TSN by Darren Dreger Edmonton Oilers are negotiating with the NHL players association Mike Babcock’s hiring. The Canadian club wants clarity on whether there are any obstacles to hiring.
Dreger adds that if the handling of the matter requires an investigation, according to sources, the NHL would be ready for it.
The 63-year-old Babcock last coached in the NHL in the 2019–2020 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He took in 2023 Jarmo Kekäläinen Against the job of head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but resigned before the start of the season
The split came after it was reported on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that Babcock asked players to share personal photos over the phone.
Kekäläinen, who was the Blue Jackets’ GM at the time, commented on Babcock’s hiring as a mistake.
Babcock started as an NHL head coach in 2002. He guided the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup championship in 2008. He coached the Canadian national team to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.
The Edmonton Oilers are looking for a head coach for their team after it was fired By Kris Knoblauch last month.