Patrik Laine is now tied to Mike Babcock's case as the former Blue Jackets head coach faces fresh NHL scrutiny.
The story moved Wednesday when a new report said Laine is one of the players connected to the league's review of Babcock's exit from Columbus in 2023.
That matters because Edmonton still can't officially wrap up a hire while the investigation remains open.
The file is no longer sitting in the background.
Laine's reported involvement gives this story a much sharper edge. He was in that Blue Jackets room during Babcock's short, messy run behind the bench.
The key detail is that Laine is said to be “directly involved” in what the league is examining.
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That pushes this beyond old noise and back into live territory.
Back in 2023, Babcock resigned before coaching a single regular-season game for Columbus. That exit shut down a full public airing of what happened.
Why Laine changes the story with Mike Babcock
Now the NHLPA wants a formal review before any Edmonton hire is finalized. The union is also believed to hold “significant allegations” gathered from players.
That's where Laine's name lands with real weight.
If one of the biggest names from that roster is attached to the file, this stops feeling like a recycled offseason story.
The report also points back to the phone-photo controversy, where Babcock allegedly asked young players to show personal images on their phones.
Yet that incident was reportedly “not the primary reason” for his exit.
That opens the door to the bigger question: what else is in this case that still hasn't come out? Laine's link suggests the unanswered part may be far more personal than many first thought.
The timing makes Edmonton's position even tougher. The Oilers wanted a proven coach, but every new detail adds pressure inside and outside the locker room.
There's also a report that at least one Oilers player would consider asking out if Babcock gets the job. That's not a small warning sign in June.
Now everyone is waiting for what the league uncovers next. If this moves toward the reported “swift resolution,” Laine's role may be one of the biggest reasons why.
Should the Oilers walk away from Mike Babcock now?
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