NHL Rumors: NHL To Investigate Babcock, Plus McDavid and Demidov Extensions – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the league will open an investigation into the incidents that led to Mike Babcock resigning as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. How will that change the desire by the Edmonton Oilers to hire him? Meanwhile, there is talk about two major NHL extensions, one for Connor McDavid and the other for Ivan Demidov.

NHL To Further Investigate Babcock Incidents

In the wake of news that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach, the NHLPA is insisting that the league follow through on an investigation into the former coach that never took place.

Elliotte Friedman reported on his 32 Thoughts podcast:

“I don’t think the Players Association has a choice here if they want to show that they have any teeth and that they are mindful of the players. They have to step in and say, “Hold on.” I was told—and I didn’t realize this—but I was told that at issue, and the reason the Players Association is adamant about this, is that when Babcock resigned in Columbus, the NHL was about to do an investigation into everything that happened there. Babcock just resigned. He said, “Look, it’s not worth it,” whatever his rationale was—he resigned.”

Friedman added:

“So the league just said there’s no point in having an investigation. I think everybody felt at that time Babcock was going to retire and we weren’t going to see him in a head coaching role again. Well, now that this has come up, the Players Association has said, “Hold on a second. There was supposed to be an investigation that never happened because Babcock resigned. Now we want it to happen. He shouldn’t be able to come back without that investigation.”

Friedman said he doesn’t believe the pending investigation would stop the Oilers from being able to hire him, but with the league expected to grant the investigation and that possibly taking some time to conclude, Friedman said, “I just can’t see the Oilers moving forward with the hiring if they know this is coming.”

Interestingly, Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 said he believes the league did do an investigation of sorts. “The NHL did an investigation, none of the investigation was made public… so what was found in that investigation where they said, ‘You know what you can’t come back.’”

Is McDavid Going to Re-Sign with the Oilers?

Bob Stauffer just said on Fan590 in Toronto that he is under the impression Connor McDavid is likely to re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers. “I don’t think there’s anybody more committed to Edmonton than Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl… I expect the next contract that Connor McDavid signs to be a seven-year extension.”

It’s intriguing that Stauffer would make a statement like this at the time he’s making it. The Oilers are dealing with their coaching drama, the team is trying to sort out its roster after a disappointing season, and there’s no reason to assume McDavid has committed to the team at all.

Given the fact that McDavid has reportedly signed off on Babcock, many believe this is him being desperate to win. Does a player commit to another seven years if there’s no evidence suggesting the team is getting closer?

Canadiens to Get Demidov Deal Done Quickly

The Montreal Canadiens and Ivan Demidov may not need a long negotiation to reach a long-term contract, especially with an upcoming NHL rule change influencing timing. The league is expected to eliminate eight-year contract terms after September, creating urgency for both sides to act quickly if they want maximum term included in the deal. Unlike Lane Hutson’s extension, which the Canadiens were comfortable letting play out over time before landing at a team-friendly number, Montreal may not have the same flexibility with Demidov.

Arpon Basu of The Athletic writes that Demidov and Hughes are on the same page and both want a deal done. He explains:

“Management clearly sees Demidov as a player who can help them meet those expectations, and Demidov made it clear he wants this negotiation taken care of this summer. … The belief in Demidov in the room is basically unanimous. The belief in him from management is unanimous. And Demidov wants to stay long-term.”

source – ‘Ivan Demidov’s next contract and the Canadiens’ culture that may facilitate it’ – Arpon Basu – The Athletic – 06/04/2026

A quick agreement would secure cost certainty for the Canadiens and help maintain momentum and gives the team a chance to pitch free agents and make moves as the market opens on July 1.