The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) has formally requested the NHL to initiate an investigation into allegations concerning Mike Babcock’s conduct during his time as coach in Columbus. The core of the allegations pertains to potential violations of player privacy.
Sources indicate that the NHLPA has specifically urged the NHL to postpone any potential hiring of Babcock by the Edmonton Oilers until this formal investigation can be concluded. The NHL is currently awaiting a decision from the Oilers regarding their intentions to proceed with hiring Babcock. If Edmonton chooses to move forward, the league will then proceed with the investigation as requested by the NHLPA.
There is currently no established timeline for the completion of this investigation. Key stakeholders, including the Oilers organization and affected players from 2023, will likely be interviewed. It has also been noted that if Babcock were to withdraw his name from consideration at this stage, the league would have no grounds to proceed with an investigation.
It’s important to recall that the NHL did not conduct an investigation into Babcock in 2023 following his resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Similarly, if the Oilers and Babcock mutually decide to part ways, an investigation would not occur.
Furthermore, it is understood that the NHLPA has received “significant” additional claims from their own player investigations, which were not publicly disclosed in 2023. These claims were presented to the NHL before Babcock’s resignation. Reports suggest that the act of asking players to view photos was not the sole or primary reason for Babcock’s departure; rather, it was a subsequent, undisclosed allegation that led to his dismissal from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
While some characterize Babcock’s past actions as a coach and individual as problematic, and acknowledge he is not an easy personality to deal with, his success as a coach, comparable to that of Scotty Bowman, is also noted.
English Translation:
The NHL will be conducting an investigation into Mike Babcock at the NHLPA’s request
Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday that “The NHLPA has asked the NHL to move forward with an investigation into the allegations Mike Babcock invaded players privacy during his time in Columbus.”
- Frank Seravalli added that, according to sources, “the NHLPA has specifically requested that the NHL delay Mike Babcock’s hiring by the Edmonton Oilers until a formal investigation can be completed.”
- Pierre LeBrun further elaborated that “the NHL is awaiting word from the Oilers. Which is to say, if Edmonton wants to go ahead with the Babcock hire, then the league will go ahead with its investigation as per the NHLPA request. But that’s if the Oilers decide to go ahead with the hire.”
Pierre LeBrun confirmed, “The NHL is moving ahead with its investigation on Mike Babcock and events in Columbus as per NHLPA request.”
- Darren Dreger stated, “There’s no timeline on how quickly this can be carried out. The Oilers are aware of this. Players involved, etc in 2023 will have to be interviewed. If Babcock were to back out at this stage, a league source says there would be no reason to investigate.”
- Greg Wyshynski recalled that “the NHL didn’t investigate Babcock in 2023 because he resigned from the CBJ. The same deal here: If the Oilers and Babcock go their separate ways, no investigation.”
Frank Seravalli also reported that, “If the #Oilers elect to continue down the path with Mike Babcock, sources say the #NHLPA is in receipt of “significant” additional claims from their own investigation with players that were not publicly reported in 2023. Those claims were presented to the #NHL prior to his resignation.”
- Furthermore, Frank Seravalli indicated that “asking players to see photos is NOT what ultimately resulted in Babcock’s resignation. It was the subsequent (unknown) allegation reported below that cost Babcock his job in #CBJ.”
Jim Matheson commented, “Here’s the thing with Babcock: his baggage is heavy not carry-on, he has done some cringe to cruel stuff by accounts as a coach and human. He is imperfect, far from warm and fuzzy. He is not an easy coach but Scotty Bowman wasn’t either he says, in Montreal. Scotty won, so has Babcock.”
