Sources: NHLPA eyes Mike Babcock inquiry before Oilers hire - ESPN

The NHLPA expects a full NHL investigation of coach Mike Babcock before the Edmonton Oilers can hire him, sources told ESPN on Tuesday.

The investigation would cover Babcock's time with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, when he was hired but never coached a game for the team.

Hired in July 2023, Babcock resigned that September after an NHLPA investigation into claims that he violated players' privacy when he asked to see photos on their cellphones. The NHLPA shared its findings with the NHL, which shared them with Blue Jackets management. Team president John Davidson said at the time that "we got it wrong" in hiring Babcock.

Since he resigned, the NHL did not have a formal investigation of Babcock. Sources said the NHLPA expects that process would be seen through if Edmonton attempts to hire Babcock as its new head coach.

The NHLPA said Monday that Oilers players had reached out regarding Babcock's status and any open investigations into his conduct. A league source said the NHLPA had not asked the NHL for a formal investigation of Babcock as of Tuesday night.

The Oilers have been in talks with Babcock, 63, as they seek a replacement for Kris Knoblauch. Sources told ESPN that Edmonton's core leadership group has been consulted about Babcock's hiring and provided input to management. Sportsnet reported Monday that Babcock met with the players and spoke directly with Edmonton owner Daryl Katz.

Although he hasn't coached in the NHL since November 2019, Babcock would bring a pedigree of success and championship experience to the Oilers. Babcock won a Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings and is 12th in career wins by an NHL coach (700). He is in the IIHF Triple Gold Club, having coached a world championship-winning