The National Hockey League released a statement Thursday morning, clearing Mike Babcock to coach in the league once again.

It’s expected in short order that the Edmonton Oilers will officially hire him, nearly a month after his name first surfaced in the market. The league embarked on an investigation into what happened during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets, as he had resigned from his post as head coach before one could be conducted.

The statement, however, seemed to take a shot at Babcock, highlighting the unfavourable light he’s seen in.

“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” the statement read. “Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable (sic) to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”

Time will tell if any reports surface about what the investigation covered, but the statement makes it clear whatever occurred in Columbus wasn’t enough to keep him from coaching in the league.

The Blue Jackets were the last team Babcock was employed by, but that employment was short-lived — just three months long — after he resigned from his role. While getting to know players, Babcock went through their phones with them, something that sat well with some of the veterans on the team, but left younger players uncomfortable. Controversy has followed Babcock through many stops in his career, and a recent report of “significant” claims beyond the phone incident occurred, prompting the investigation.

The NHL Players’ Association released a statement of their own Thursday, calling the allegations “very concerning.”

“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment,” the statement read. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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