Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Oilers Near Hiring Former Coach Babcock, Approval Pending

6/9/2026

35 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Oilers Pursue Babcock

The Edmonton Oilers are close to hiring former NHL coach Mike Babcock as head coach.
On June 8, 2026 the Oilers consulted the NHL Players’ Association about possible objections, while final NHL and NHLPA approval remains pending.
Babcock, 63, last coached Toronto in 2019-20, quit Columbus in 2023 after an NHLPA phone-photo probe, and boasts a 2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit and 700 career wins, tying him for 12th all-time.

Summary

McDavid Extends

Connor McDavid signed a two-year extension on June 8, 2026 at a discount, linking his contract to the Oilers’ coach hire.
General manager Stan Bowman, dismissed after the 2010 Kyle Beach investigation, is steering the coach search and consulted veterans Leon Draisaitl, Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman on Brad Babcock’s possible hire.
Analysts warn that a poor season could put McDavid on a trade list within a year, pressure on coaching decision.

History

Historical Context

Mike Babcock, who led the Detroit Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup after a 58-16-8 regular season (124 points) and earned his 200th career win in December 2007, is now being consulted by the Edmonton Oilers and the NHL Players’ Association as they weigh hiring him following Connor McDavid’s two-year extension. The plan mirrors Detroit’s recent success pairing a veteran coach with a star-centered roster.

1 of 3

Oilers Pursue Babcock

The Edmonton Oilers are close to hiring former NHL coach Mike Babcock as head coach.
On June 8, 2026 the Oilers consulted the NHL Players’ Association about possible objections, while final NHL and NHLPA approval remains pending.
Babcock, 63, last coached Toronto in 2019-20, quit Columbus in 2023 after an NHLPA phone-photo probe, and boasts a 2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit and 700 career wins, tying him for 12th all-time.

1 / 3