NHL Launches Investigation into Mike Babcock’s Resignation from Blue Jackets

The NHL has initiated an investigation into Mike Babcock’s resignation from his role as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, which occurred in September 2023, just before he had the opportunity to coach a game. A source familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the investigation, confirmed the league’s actions.

This inquiry comes on the heels of a request from the Players’ Association, particularly after news surfaced regarding the Edmonton Oilers’ interest in hiring Babcock. The league opted to delay the investigation until after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final, which saw the Carolina Hurricanes emerge victorious over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Babcock’s resignation took place less than three months after he was appointed by the Blue Jackets. His controversial request for personal photographs from players, intended as a means to familiarize himself with them, was met with criticism and raised concerns over privacy violations.

Initially, the Players’ Association reviewed the circumstances surrounding Babcock’s conduct, but the NHL had paused its investigation when he stepped down. Babcock, who turned 63 on April 29, has not coached in the league since he was dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season. His coaching resume includes leading the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory in 2008 and achieving Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014.

Once regarded as one of the top coaches in the NHL, Babcock’s reputation has faced scrutiny over his old-school coaching methods, which some former players have characterized as bullying. Following his departure from the Maple Leafs, allegations arose that he had solicited a player to rank teammates based on their work ethic and subsequently shared those rankings with the entire team. Johan Franzen, a former player for the Red Wings, described Babcock as “the worst person I have ever met” and recounted feeling terrified about attending practices during his tenure.

Meanwhile, the Oilers are in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Kris Knoblauch following their first-round playoff exit. Despite having reached the finals in consecutive seasons prior to that, they have expressed interest in speaking with Bruce Cassidy, who was recently let go by the Golden Knights. However, Vegas denied their request as Cassidy remains under contract for the upcoming season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.