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Elliotte Friedman Shares Latest on Oilers' Pursuit of Mike Babcock
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- Elliotte Friedman Shares Latest on Oilers' Pursuit of Mike Babcock
The Edmonton Oilers ' pursuit of Mike Babcock has encountered a new hurdle now. According to reports, the NHL Players' Association requested a league investigation into allegations connected to his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets , which was brief.
The request centers on claims that led to Babcock's resignation in 2023 before he coached a single game in Columbus. According to reports from NHL analysts Darren Dreger and Frank Seravalli , the NHLPA wants the league to complete a formal review and has also asked that any potential hiring be delayed until that process is finished.
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Speaking on Sportsnet's 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman explained why the issue has resurfaced.
"Well, now that this has come up, the Players Association has said, 'Hold on a second. There was supposed to be an investigation that never happened because Babcock resigned. Now we want it to happen. He shouldn't be able to come back without that investigation.'"
Friedman added that while the request may not legally prevent Edmonton from making a hire, it could effectively put the process on hold.
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"I don't necessarily think it would stop the Oilers from being able to hire him, but I do believe the league will grant this, and I just can't see the Oilers moving forward with the hiring if they know this is coming."
The timing is critical for Edmonton. After a disappointing 2025-26 season that ended with a first-round playoff exit and the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch, management is searching for a coach capable of tightening a defensive structure that ranked among the league's weakest.
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Babcock has emerged as a leading candidate as Edmonton's Bruce Cassidy pursuit remains stuck in limbo. And that is because of his track record and reputation for demanding accountability. However, the NHLPA's intervention adds another layer of uncertainty to an already controversial process.
For the Oilers, the challenge is balancing urgency with scrutiny. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl firmly in their championship years, Edmonton wants a quick resolution. The latest developments suggest that resolution may now take longer than expected.
Related: Hockey Canada & NHL React to Connor McDavid's 5th Ted Lindsay Award
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Related: ESPN's Greg Wyshynski Sees Bigger NHL Issue in Dylan Larkin Trade Drama
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
