Mike Babcock Investigation Could Give the Oilers an Opportunity

With the Stanley Cup Final officially complete, the NHL has now launched its investigation into Mike Babcock’s 2023 resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets. What was already a controversial coaching possibility for the Edmonton Oilers has suddenly become even more complicated, and the timing may provide Edmonton with the perfect opportunity to move in another direction.

Throughout their search for a new head coach, the Oilers have prioritized experience, a winning pedigree, and someone who would not be intimidated by coaching a roster led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Babcock checked many of those boxes.

However, as more details continue to emerge and the league begins a formal review, the question is no longer whether Babcock can coach. Instead, it has become whether the risk surrounding his hiring outweighs the potential reward.

Oilers Did Their Homework on Babcock

According to reports, Edmonton’s interest in Babcock was far more than a casual conversation. After being denied permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy, who reportedly remained the organization’s top choice, the Oilers expanded their search and included Babcock among their finalists. He met with ownership and members of the front office, and reports indicated he later met face-to-face with a small group of Oilers players in Toronto.

Peter Laviolette, who has since been hired by the Los Angeles Kings, was reportedly the only other candidate to receive similar treatment. Members of Edmonton’s leadership group and management also reached out around the league to gather opinions from players and executives who had worked with Babcock previously. By all accounts, there was enough support internally for the organization to continue exploring the possibility.

The Oilers were prepared to do their due diligence. But now the situation has changed.

NHL Investigation Reopens Old Questions

When Babcock resigned from Columbus in 2023, the controversy surrounding him largely centred around reports that he had asked players to show photos from their phones. At the time, the issue appeared to be resolved quickly. Babcock stepped down, and both the NHL and NHLPA moved on.

However, recent reports suggest there were additional concerns beyond the phone incidents that contributed to his departure. Those issues are now reportedly being revisited as part of the league’s investigation.

Some former Blue Jackets players and staff members have reportedly shown reluctance to participate because they do not want to revisit events from three years ago. Nevertheless, the NHL is moving forward with the process to determine whether there should be any further consequences and whether Babcock should be free to return behind an NHL bench.

For Edmonton, that uncertainty alone should be concerning. Championship contenders cannot afford unnecessary distractions, especially during one of the most important periods in franchise history.

Free-Agent Concerns Could Be the Biggest Problem

The biggest revelation may not even involve former Blue Jackets players. Reports have indicated that several agents representing players who never played for Babcock have voiced concerns regarding the possibility of their clients ending up in Edmonton. That should set off alarm bells.

Jason Gregor shared a text message from an NHL agent that read: “The opportunity to play with McDavid or Draisaitl is diminished with the potential to be coached by Babcock. It is a valid concern voiced to me by a few of my clients.”

That statement carries significant weight. For years, Edmonton’s greatest recruiting advantage has been the chance to play alongside two of the best players in the world. If the possibility of being coached by Babcock causes players to think twice, the organization could be creating obstacles that simply do not need to exist.

Even if only a small number of players feel that way, every free-agent battle matters when trying to maximize a Stanley Cup window. The Oilers have spent years trying to build a destination franchise. Hiring a coach who could potentially discourage players from signing would be difficult to justify.

This Could Be Edmonton’s Perfect Exit Strategy

Ironically, the NHL investigation may provide the Oilers with a graceful way out. Rather than publicly reversing course after reportedly investing significant time in Babcock, Edmonton can simply point to the league’s review and move in another direction. Nobody loses face.

Management can say they explored all options, conducted their due diligence, and ultimately decided to wait for clarity. Considering the public backlash surrounding the possibility of hiring Babcock, this may be the cleanest solution available.

The Flip Side: What If Babcock Has Truly Changed?

Despite the controversy, there is another side to the discussion. From a purely hockey standpoint, Babcock’s resume speaks for itself. He has won a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medals, and coached over 700 NHL games. Few coaches available possess that level of experience.

More importantly, McDavid and Draisaitl have repeatedly shown they want accountability. Neither superstar has ever appeared interested in being protected from criticism or difficult coaching. In fact, many around the league believe Edmonton’s stars actually want to be coached hard.

That is one reason why Cassidy emerged as the organization’s preferred target. His demanding style and championship pedigree made him an ideal fit.

If Babcock has genuinely evolved from previous mistakes and learned from the circumstances that ended his tenure in Columbus, the Oilers could potentially be passing on a coach capable of helping them win a Stanley Cup.

That is what makes this decision so difficult. There is tremendous upside if Babcock has changed. But there is also enormous risk if he hasn’t.

Could John Tortorella Become the Alternative?

If the Oilers decide the controversy surrounding Babcock is too great, another veteran name could emerge. John Tortorella may not have been considered an early favourite, but his coaching philosophy aligns with what Edmonton appears to be seeking. Like Babcock, Tortorella demands accountability and is willing to challenge star players. However, many players who have played for him describe his tough-love approach as hockey-related rather than personal.

He has a Stanley Cup on his resume and enough experience to command respect immediately. Should Cassidy remain unavailable and Babcock become too controversial, Tortorella could become a logical pivot.

Oilers Must Get This Right

The Oilers are entering one of the most important stretches in franchise history. McDavid’s long-term future remains one of the biggest storylines in hockey, and Edmonton cannot afford a coaching mistake.

If the organization truly believes Babcock has changed, then perhaps the gamble is worth taking. But if there is any doubt whatsoever — especially if free agents and player agents are already expressing concern — the ongoing NHL investigation may have provided the Oilers with exactly what they needed.

An opportunity to walk away. And perhaps that’s ultimately the best outcome for everyone involved.