NHL Launches Investigation into Mike Babcock's Columbus Resignation

The NHL has initiated an investigation into the unexpected resignation of Mike Babcock as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023, according to multiple reports citing a person familiar with the matter. The probe comes nearly three years after Babcock stepped down before coaching a single game for the franchise.

The league's decision to examine the circumstances of Babcock's exit was first reported by the Associated Press and subsequently covered by major outlets including ESPN and Newsday. According to reports, the investigation aims to understand the events and potential league policy breaches that led to the coach's abrupt and highly publicized departure.

• Babcock was hired as Blue Jackets head coach during the 2023 offseason but resigned in September, just before the regular season began.
• He did not coach a single game for Columbus before stepping down.
• The nature of his resignation drew significant attention at the time, but the NHL had not previously announced a formal review until now.

Babcock's resignation followed allegations regarding his conduct towards players, although neither the league nor the team specified the exact reasons at the time. The abruptness of the move, paired with the coach's high profile and prior controversies in his NHL career, kept the story in the spotlight. The league is now revisiting the situation, seeking to determine whether any rules were violated or if additional action is necessary.

According to ESPN, a person with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed the NHL's investigation was underway as of mid-June 2026. Newsday echoed this report, highlighting growing scrutiny over how the Blue Jackets and the league handled the resignation in 2023. Both outlets indicate that the league's inquiry is still in early stages, and no further details have been officially released.

The NHL's review underscores its commitment to transparency and maintaining standards of conduct across the league. While Babcock has not held another NHL coaching position since his resignation, the investigation could have ramifications for both his professional future and the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

The Blue Jackets have since moved forward with a new coaching staff, but the results of the league's inquiry may impact how franchises and the NHL address similar situations in the future. Further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.