The NHL is officially investigating Mike Babcock. Elliotte Friedman wrote on Monday, "Now that the Stanley Cup Final is complete, the NHL will officially begin its investigation into Mike Babcock’s 2023 resignation from Columbus."

What they're trying to determine is twofold: 1) How bad was whatever it is he did? 2) the NHL needs to decide whether there will be any further penalty or if the Oilers will be free to hire him.

Friedman noted that this all comes with some obvious pushback. "One of the initial challenges here is that some Blue Jackets players and staff members from back then initially indicated they had no desire to re-live what happened three years ago and didn’t want to participate." 

There's also some reported friction on the Oilers roster, especially among some who were not part of the leadership group that met with Babcock. Not everyone feels like that leadership group should have represented them in a matter like this. 

Friedman adds that the Oilers appear ready to wait for a ruling. That doesn't mean, however, that they'll hire him. If things go from not-so-good to bad, and then even to worse if players grow upset (including free agents who avoid Edmonton), the Oilers may think twice.