The NHL cleared former coach Mike Babcock to return to the league Thursday, removing any barrier to an Edmonton Oilers hiring. The league concluded its review of Babcock’s brief Columbus Blue Jackets stint, finding no evidence that would justify a ban. The decision follows an NHLPA‑requested probe that included Zoom interviews with former players.

Edmonton’s front office had initially pursued Bruce Cassidy, but the Vegas Golden Knights invoked a non‑compete clause that kept him in Calgary. With Cassidy unavailable, the Oilers turned to Babcock, a 2008 Stanley Cup‑winning coach who amassed 700 games with Anaheim, Detroit and Toronto. Veteran Oilers have publicly backed the move, hoping his playoff pedigree steadies a squad reeling from a first‑round exit.

The Oilers dismissed Kris Knoblauch after the playoff loss, making this the sixth head‑coach change since Connor McDavid’s rookie season. Babcock’s appointment could reshape line‑matching strategies and revive a roster that struggled to finish above .500. Regardless of past controversy, the league’s clearance clears the path for Edmonton to lock in its next leader immediately.

Babcock, 63, last coached the Maple Leafs in 2019, guiding them to three consecutive playoff berths but never beyond the opening round. His return puts him back in the Western Conference, where he will face former rivals and test his ability to adapt to a faster, more physical game. The Oilers now have a clear direction heading into the offseason.