Oilers interested in Mike Babcock as next coach, consulting with NHLPA on objections: Sources

The Edmonton Oilers are consulting with the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) regarding potential objections to hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach, according to league sources. Babcock last coached an NHL game in November 2019 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who fired him after a 9-10-4 start in his fifth season of an eight-year contract. He was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2023 but resigned two months later following allegations that he asked players to share personal photos from their phones.