Oilers Head Coach Hiring Update Emerges After Mike Babcock News
The Edmonton Oilers are headed into the thick of the NHL offseason without a head coach, but that search appears to be nearing its conclusion.
Following Thursday's developments involving Mike Babcock, it looks like the Oilers will finally be able to hire their preferred man to become the next franchise head coach.
The Oilers had been waiting on clarity from the NHL regarding Babcock's availability before advancing further in the hiring process.
That clarity arrived on Thursday, as the National Hockey League completed its review into Babcock's past conduct and determined there is no basis to restrict his employment.
"The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," the statement says. "Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League."
The NHL Players' Association also weighed in following the league's review, acknowledging past issues involving Babcock, but ultimately accepting the outcome.
"While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock's conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets' head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment," the NHLPA said. "Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches."
Now that the league has cleared Mike Babcock, word is the Oilers will formally begin the process of hiring him - contract negotiations, etc.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2026
Assuming no snags, timeline appears to be early next week.
Following the league's decision, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman outlined the next steps for Edmonton.
"Now that the league has cleared Mike Babcock, word is the Oilers will formally begin the process of hiring him - contract negotiations, etc," Friedman reported. "Assuming no snags, timeline appears to be early next week."
Babcock has not coached in the NHL since the 2019-20 season and resigned from a role with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching his first game amid scrutiny over questionable interactions with his players.
Despite that history, Edmonton appears prepared to move forward as it looks to address a coaching vacancy following a first-round playoff exit.
Babcock is expected to succeed Kris Knoblauch on the Oilers' bench, and he will carry vast experience with him, including winning the 2008 Stanley Cup and making two other trips to the finals in 2003 and 2009.
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 7:00 AM.