Mike Babcock's Phone Privacy Scandal Cleared By The NHL: The Oilers Are Already Circling

Dude, you will NOT believe what dropped today. The NHL, man, they just came out with a statement that totally clears Mike Babcock, age 63, to get back behind the bench. Yeah, *that* Mike Babcock. After all the drama in Columbus with the cell phones, the league investigated, and their take? No current basis to stop him from coaching. And guess who's already reportedly looking to bring him in? The Edmonton Oilers. Wild.

The League's Verdict On Babcock's Columbus Stint

Okay, so here’s the lowdown. Remember back in 2023, Mike Babcock gets hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets? It was his first NHL head coaching gig since he was with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015-19. But then, BAM! September 2023, reports start flying around. Players were saying Babcock was asking to see their cellphone camera rolls in one-on-one meetings. Privacy invasion, right? Total cringe! The NHL Players' Association actually got involved, asking the league to look into his time in Columbus before any other team could snag him. But now, the NHL's all like, "Yep, we looked, and even if we take the worst view of Mr. Babcock, there's no reason to stop him from coaching." So, despite the chatter, the league gave him the green light to jump back into the mix. Crazy, right?

Those Infamous Phone Calls and Babcock's Reputation

So what *actually* happened with those phone calls? Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau, tragically no longer with us, both confirmed

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Babcock asked to see photos. But they also said they didn't feel pressured, and they understood it to be in the spirit of getting to know one another. Babcock reportedly showed *his* photos too, which, okay, maybe a little weird but trying to build rapport? But here's the kicker: younger players apparently felt super uncomfortable with his whole approach. And let's be real, the guy already had a reputation for controversial motivational tactics from his days with the Maple Leafs and even way back with the Detroit Red Wings, where he coached from 2005-15. He actually resigned from the Blue Jackets on September 17, 2023, before the season even started. That's why the NHL didn't investigate those claims back then.

A Hall of Fame Record, And The Oilers Are Calling?

But let's not forget, the dude can coach. We’re talking about a guy with a 700-418-164 career record, plus 19 ties! He’s been with the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim from 2002-04, the Red Wings, and the Maple Leafs. He even led Detroit to a Stanley Cup title in 2008! That's a serious resume. Now, at 63 years old, he's back on the market. And the word on the street, according to reports, is that the Edmonton Oilers are circling, looking to fill their coaching vacancy with Babcock. So, there it is, Emerald City hockey fans. Mike Babcock is officially cleared to return to NHL coaching. Will the Oilers pull the trigger? Will another team jump in? It's going to be wild to see where this saga lands and what kind of impact he could have back in the league. You know we'll be watching every move!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.