The Wild Phone Photo Scandal Nobody Forgot: Why The NHL Is Going Back For Mike Babcock

Holy smokes, Kraken fans, remember that absolute clown show from Mike Babcock back in 2023? Well, buckle up, because the NHL is apparently ready to dive back into that whole bizarre mess. You heard that right. The league is set to officially investigate Babcock's super weird, super short stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and honestly, the thought of reliving that drama makes my blood boil. How can someone even think about bringing this guy back?

Babs' Blue Jackets Bummer: A 78-Day Disaster

Let's rewind. It was September 2023, just 78 days after the Blue Jackets signed Babcock to a two-year deal. The guy hadn't even run a single practice or stood behind the bench! But the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast dropped a bombshell: Babcock was allegedly going through players' cell phone pictures in one-on-one meetings. The goal? To "judge their off-ice lifestyle." Seriously? Paul Bissonnette, one of the biggest names in hockey broadcasting, mentioned it almost flippantly, saying Babcock called in their captain, Boone Jenner, demanding to see his phone photos to "know what type of person you are." And get this, Bissonnette said Babcock was using AirPlay to throw these pics up on a big screen TV in his office! Initially, the NHL, Blue Jackets management, and veterans like Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau were quick to dismiss the whole thing. Jenner even issued a statement saying it was a "great first meeting" and it was "blown out of proportion." Babcock himself told The Athletic it was "100 percent" up to the player which pictures to share, claiming they scrolled through their *own* phones. But here's the kicker: as the days went on, and the NHL Players' Association talked to more players, a "clearer picture" formed. It was way "more damning of Babcock's actions," especially when it came to the younger guys who maybe weren't as willing to "toe the company line" as their veteran teammates. Just four days before training camp was supposed to start, on September 16, 2023, Babcock resigned. Good riddance, right?

Why This Hot Mess Is Back on the Ice

So, why are we digging up old bones now, almost three years later? Because the Edmonton Oilers want to hire Babcock! Apparently, their pursuit of former Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy got blocked by the Golden Knights, so they're eyeing Babcock, and the league needs to figure out if that's even allowed. This is classic NHL drama, where something you thought was buried comes roaring back because another team got desperate. It's a total mess, and the investigation is going to be a nightmare, too. A lot has changed in Columbus since then. The key folks the NHL wants to chat with are scattered everywhere. President of hockey operations John Davidson is mostly retired, except for some TV analyst gigs. General Manager Jarmo Kekäläinen was fired the next summer and is now managing the Buffalo Sabres. Only 10 players from that 2023 opening-night roster are even still with the Blue Jackets! The Athletic texted several players recently to get their take, but surprise, surprise, nobody responded. Who wants to reopen *that* wound? This whole situation is a massive test for the league. We've got to watch how they handle this. Are they going to let Babcock just waltz back into the league after what went down, even if the Oilers are in a bind? This isn't just about one coach; it's about player privacy, trust, and the integrity of the game. Let's hope the NHL gets this right and sends a clear message. We'll be keeping a close eye on every development.

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