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NHL Officially Opens Mike Babcock Investigation From 2023 Allegations

The Edmonton Oilers will have to wait to introduce Mike Babcock as their newest head coach. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman confirmed Monday that the NHL has officially opened an investigation against Babcock for what took place during 2023, when the polarizing head coach was hired, then essentially fired before ever stepping behind the Blue Jackets' bench. Sources indicate there will be multiple parties interviewed as part of the process. At issue is whether there will be any further penalty or...

Mike Babcock Oilers investigation is fully underway after Blue Jackets departure

Following their loss in the Western Conference Semifinal at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks, the Edmonton Oilers terminated head coach Kris Knoblauch along with assistant coach Mark Stuart. Despite having been behind the bench for each of Edmonton’s last two runs to the Stanley Cup Final, Oilers GM Stan Bowman felt a change in […] The post Mike Babcock Oilers investigation is fully underway after Blue Jackets departure appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Landing spots for Blue Jackets Elvis Merzlikins

While the Columbus Blue Jackets aren't hurting for cap space (they have $32.36 million), it never hurts to optimize it further. And during the postseason, they have a chance to recapture more of it by trading veteran goaltender Elvis Merzlikins. Merzlikins ' current cap hit with the Blue Jackets is $5.4 million, and he has one year left on the deal he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022, with then general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.  Once thought to be the next star in the Blue Jackets sys...

Blue Jackets sign forward prospect to one-year extension

On Saturday, the Columbus Blue Jackets retained forward prospect James Malatesta, signing him to a one-year, two-way contract extension for the 2026-27 season. The agreement carries an NHL salary of $850,000 and an AHL salary of $95,000, according to PuckPedia. Malatesta spent the entire 2025-26 campaign with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, recording 10 goals and […] The post Blue Jackets sign forward prospect to one-year extension appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Oilers Notebook: NHL pushes for quick Mike Babcock investigation as former players voice frustration

When it comes to the National Hockey League’s investigation into Mike Babcock’s time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, expect a quick process, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported. The investigation was launched at the request of the NHL Players’ Association this week, days after it was reported the Edmonton Oilers had approached the group to see if there…

Sources say Babcock will be able to work after investigation: Johnson

The Edmonton Oilers saga with Mike Babcock awaits an NHL investigation into what happened between him and Columbus Blue Jackets players three years ago, which led to his resignation. Babcock has been off the coaching radar since, as the league chose not to investigate the NHL Players’ Association’s findings since he had resigned from Columbus….

Devils rumors: The AAV on Nico Hischier’s next contract, per Insider

In disappointing fashion, the New Jersey Devils failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, bringing into question the kind of moves that new general manager Sunny Mehta would have to make in order to ensure his club could start making postseason runs again in short order. One important matter of business that Mehta is […] The post Devils rumors: The AAV on Nico Hischier’s next contract, per Insider appeared first on ClutchPoints .

Zach Werenski To Request Trade From Blue Jackets?

There has been some buzz around the league that, following Dylan Larkin's trade request, Columbus Blue Jackets Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski could be considering doing the same.  But insider Pierre LeBrun threw some cold water on that rumor... Kind of.  I can tell you as of Wednesday afternoon, I’m told there has not been any communication to the Columbus Blue Jackets indicating that kind of thing on Werenski, who has two more years on his deal. But while he insisted that Werens...

New Allegation Emerging Against Babcock, As Oilers Hire Still On Hold

The Edmonton Oilers/Mike Babcock Saga is taking a new turn, according to insider Frank Seravalli. He claims that sources have told him that the NHLPA and the NHL are in receipt of "significant" additional claims against Babcock from his  tumultuous  Columbus Blue Jackets two-month tenure in 2023. If #Oilers elect to continue down the path with Mike Babcock, sources say the #NHLPA is in receipt of “significant” additional claims from their own investigation with players that were not ...

Oilers rumors: NHL makes decision on Mike Babcock investigation amid ‘significant’ additional claims

The Edmonton Oilers want to hire Mike Babcock as their next head coach, but it looks like they have to wait until his investigation is done from when he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. Apparently, there are some significant claims from the investigation that weren’t reported that year, according to NHL insider […] The post Oilers rumors: NHL makes decision on Mike Babcock investigation amid ‘significant’ additional claims appeared first on ClutchPoints .

NHLPA pushes for Mike Babcock probe amid Oilers interest rumors

The Edmonton Oilers are considering Mike Babcock for their head coach vacancy despite a controversial exit from the Columbus Blue Jackets. That had many in the league up in arms, and the union is doing something about it. The NHLPA has asked the league to investigate Babcock if the Oilers decide to hire him. “The […] The post NHLPA pushes for Mike Babcock probe amid Oilers interest rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints .