The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly considering the hiring of Mike Babcock, a coach with a controversial past. The urgency to win a Stanley Cup before star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl potentially decide to leave is believed to be pushing the team toward drastic measures.

According to reports, fans of the Oilers are expressing strong disapproval of this move. Many have taken to social media to voice their objections against hiring Babcock, who resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 amid accusations of inappropriate conduct toward players.

The controversy surrounding Babcock involves claims of privacy invasion. Darren Dreger of TSN highlighted that if Babcock is hired, the NHL will initiate an investigation into allegations concerning his conduct during his time in Columbus.

“The NHLPA has requested the NHL to proceed with an investigation into allegations that Mike Babcock invaded players’ privacy during his tenure in Columbus,” Dreger remarked.

Further details were provided by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, indicating that the investigation hinges on Edmonton’s decision. Should the Oilers choose to proceed with hiring Babcock, the NHL will carry out its investigative procedures as requested by the NHLPA.

An incident in Columbus, where Babcock allegedly accessed players’ personal photos, is central to the forthcoming investigation. This probe could impact Edmonton’s hiring decision or lead to potential NHL penalties for Babcock prior to any coaching role in Edmonton.

Babcock’s coaching history includes other controversies. He has faced accusations of bullying Johan Franzen of the Detroit Red Wings, asking Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner to rank teammates based on effort, and benching players such as Mike Modano due to personal issues.