Oilers hire Mike Babcock as next head coach
from Sportsnet,
The Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday they have hired the longtime head coach to take over their bench.
Babcock, 63, was last in the NHL prior to the 2023 season when he resigned as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets before coaching a regular-season game after Spittin’ Chiclets podcaster and former NHLer Paul Bissonnette accused him of improperly viewing players’ smartphones.
Both the NHLPA and NHL had to sign off on Babcock’s hiring before it became official, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported.
"The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," a statement from the NHL read. "Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favourable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League."
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