Overview
- The NHL said on Thursday, June 18, 2026, that its review of Babcock’s brief 2023 stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets found no current basis to restrict his employment in the league.
- With that clearance, multiple outlets report the Edmonton Oilers are free to negotiate with Babcock and are working on contract details, though no hiring announcement had been made.
- The NHL Players’ Association called the allegations concerning and said it expects Babcock to meet the high standards for NHL head coaches as he returns to the market.
- Reporting and former players recall a pattern of troubling episodes including requests to view players’ phone photos in Columbus and past incidents with Mitch Marner and Johan Franzen that left some players uncomfortable.
- The potential hire creates clear second‑order risks for Edmonton, including player and fan backlash, locker‑room friction, and reputational strain that could affect retention of stars and the club’s short championship window.