Ex-Wings, Leafs coach Babcock to lead Oilers

The Oilers announced Tuesday that Mike Babcock would be their next head coach, days after he was cleared by the NHL to coach again. The league launched an investigation into Babcock's resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 before coaching a game. He left the team less than three months in after his requests to look at personal photos from players' phones drew criticism. "The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith. 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 said in a statement. Sources told ESPN of the Oilers' intention to hire Babcock, and said that several veteran players supported the hiring. The NHL Players' Association requested the investigation after word got out. The Oilers initially were interested in Bruce Cassidy, according to sources, but the division rival Vegas Golden Knights withheld permission. Cassidy, who was fired in March, is under contract with Vegas through next season, and a noncompete clause leaves him without recourse. Babcock, 63, won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, and reached the final two other times. He led Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014. He has coached 700 games and won 90 playoff games with the Anaheim Ducks, Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was fired from the Leafs in November 2019 after a 9-10-4 start to the season. The Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch in May following a first-round loss to the Ducks.