Oilers’ reported – Edmonton’s reported push to hire Mike Babcock has drawn fury from Oilers fans and set up a potential NHL investigation, after the NHLPA asked the league to investigate allegations that Babcock invaded players’ privacy during his time with the Columbus Blue Jac
The Edmonton Oilers are trying to chase a Stanley Cup while their core stars are still at the top of the sport. But the plan emerging around the team’s coaching staff has turned into something harsher—an off-ice standoff that could follow Mike Babcock straight into the NHL’s formal process.
Edmonton is reportedly set to hire the controversial Babcock, who resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, a little over 10 weeks after being hired amid accusations of inappropriate conduct toward players.
The reaction inside Oilers fandom has been swift. News of the impending hire enraged much of the Oilers’ fan base, many of whom flooded social media with angry messages urging the team not to bring Babcock back to the NHL.
The backlash is now meeting the league’s machinery. If Babcock is hired, he would be subject to an NHL investigation first.
Darren Dreger wrote on X that the NHLPA has asked the NHL to move forward with an investigation into allegations that Babcock invaded players’ privacy during his time in Columbus. Pierre LeBrun added additional detail: the NHL is awaiting word from the Oilers. If Edmonton decides to go ahead with the Babcock hire. the league will proceed with an investigation as per the NHLPA request—if the Oilers choose to proceed.
The investigation is tied to allegations stemming from Babcock’s tenure in Columbus. He was accused of invading the privacy of several Blue Jackets players by looking through personal photos on their phones.
That’s where the stakes sharpen for Edmonton. The looming investigation could deter the Oilers from making the hire—or, if they proceed, Babcock could face potential NHL punishment before he begins his tenure in Edmonton.
For fans already unsettled, the privacy allegation is only one thread. Babcock has also been accused of bullying former Detroit Red Wings player Johan Franzen into having a nervous breakdown. He was also accused of asking former Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner to rank his former teammates based on their effort level. In addition. he faced accusations involving healthy scratches of players including Mike Modano and Mike Commodore. described as coming from personal vendettas.
The sequence is difficult to ignore: a reported coaching hire that already inflames the Oilers’ supporters is now paired with an NHLPA-backed request for investigation tied to privacy allegations. with the league prepared to act if Edmonton moves forward. In the space between those decisions. the question isn’t just whether Babcock will arrive—it’s whether the team’s attempt to reshape its odds will also pull the franchise into a legal and disciplinary fight first.
Edmonton Oilers NHL investigation Mike Babcock NHLPA Columbus Blue Jackets Connor McDavid Leon Draisaitl Johan Franzen Mitch Marner Mike Modano Mike Commodore
How is this even allowed? Just hire someone else.
Wait so the NHL is investigating because he looked at players’ phone photos?? That seems like something that should’ve been handled already, not years later. I swear teams just ignore this stuff until it blows up.
I don’t get it, if he already resigned in 2023 then why are they still acting like it’s some mystery. Like the Oilers are gonna hire him and then suddenly “oh no investigate” 🙄. Sounds more like PR than actual hockey stuff.
This is wild. I saw people saying “Babcock is back” like it’s a done deal, but now it’s “awaiting word from the Oilers”?? So is the investigation automatic or only if they sign him? Also if he was accused of looking through phones, how is that not a bigger deal than whatever happened on the ice. I’m not an expert but that feels creepy as hell.