NEW YORK (AP) 鈥� The NHL said Thursday it completed a , cleared him to coach the Edmonton Oilers if they opt to hire him.
The league launched an of the NHL Players鈥� Association in light of the Edmonton Oilers鈥� interest in hiring Babcock. The league in a statement said even in the least favorable light, there was no basis to restrict Babcock鈥檚 employment.
It was not immediately clear if or when the Oilers would name Babcock coach. They have been looking for a replacement since following a first-round playoff exit that came after back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
Babcock, 63, has not coached in the NHL since 2019, when by Toronto 23 games into his fifth season in charge. The Blue Jackets hired him on July 1, 2023, and after his from players in an attempt to get to know them drew criticism as an invasion of privacy.
A statement from the NHLPA called the allegations very concerning and said, “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.鈥�
The NHL dropped its planned investigation at the time because Babcock stepped down. It got underway this week after the final ended
Babcock coached Detroit to the Stanley Cup in 2008 and has made two other trips to the final, along with guiding Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 鈥�14.
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