The Edmonton Oilers' potential hiring of Mike Babcock has hit a snag.
The NHL will launch an investigation into allegations that Babcock invaded players' privacy if the Oilers indeed hire him as head coach, as per the NHLPA's request, TSN's Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger report.
The NHLPA specifically asked the NHL to delay a potential Babcock hiring until a formal investigation is finished, sources told insider Frank Seravalli.
After the Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock in 2023, he allegedly asked players for their phones, scrolled through their camera rolls, and projected their photos onto a larger screen. A full investigation was never conducted because Babcock resigned shortly after the allegations were reported. He never coached a game for Columbus.
It was reported Monday night that the Oilers were nearing a deal to make Babcock their head coach following reports earlier Monday that Edmonton was consulting the NHLPA to see if there were any objections to the hire.
Babcock won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. He hasn't coached in the NHL since the Toronto Maple Leafs fired him in November 2019.
