It’s difficult to envision the Oilers going through with hiring Mike Babcock after the visceral reaction that possibility raised around the NHL.

The NHL Players’ Association rightfully insisted on an investigation into the reasoning behind Babcock’s resignation in September 2023 before the league clears Edmonton to hire him, a push that only would be made if the NHLPA knew there was more to the story than just a coach finding his way into Blue Jackets players’ phones during one-on-one meetings before a single practice or preseason game had occurred.

I wonder if the additional findings from this investigation, on top of the documented instances of a toxic working environment, manipulative tactics and verbal abuse by Babcock, will be enough to deter the Oilers.

Oh, but Stan Bowman is the general manager in Edmonton. You know, the former president and GM of the Blackhawks who covered up allegations of sexual assault in the name of protecting their 2010 Stanley Cup chances. Bowman later resigned following an independent investigation into one of hockey’s biggest scandals.