Full Breakdown
Edmonton Oilers Near Deal to Hire Mike Babcock, NHLPA Review Pending
6/10/2026, 12:12:08 AM
Potential Hiring of Mike Babcock
The Oilers are in advanced talks to appoint 63-year-old Mike Babcock as head coach. Owner Daryl Katz, president Jeff Jackson, GM Stan Bowman and the player leadership group—including Connor McDavid—have all met with Babcock, and the organization says the vacancy follows the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch after a first-round playoff loss.
Background & Context
Edmonton’s search accelerated after the Vegas Golden Knights exercised their contractual right to block interviews with former coach Bruce Cassidy. The team also considered Peter Laviolette, who later joined the Los Angeles Kings. With McDavid’s contract extending only through the 2026-27 season, the Oilers seek a veteran with proven playoff experience.
Data & Statistics
Babcock ranks 12th all-time in NHL coaching wins (700) across 1,301 regular-season games (700-418-164-19). He won the 2008 Stanley Cup with Detroit, guided Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, and is the only active coach in the Triple Gold Club. His most recent NHL stint ended before the 2023-24 season when he resigned from Columbus without coaching a game.
Why It Matters
The franchise believes Babcock’s championship pedigree could translate into a deeper postseason run before McDavid’s free-agency window closes. Yet his history of privacy-invasion allegations and reported abusive tactics raises concerns about locker-room cohesion and player trust.
Official Statements & Responses
The Oilers say any hire requires clearance from both the NHL and the NHLPA. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the Golden Knights acted within their contractual rights to deny Cassidy interviews. The NHLPA has been consulted but has not issued a public comment. Oilers president John Davidson previously acknowledged a hiring misstep with Babcock at Columbus.
Criticism & Opposition
NHLPA investigations in 2023 concluded Babcock asked players to display personal phone photos, a practice deemed an invasion of privacy. Former Red Wings forward Johan Franzen called Babcock “the worst person I have ever met.” Additional criticism stems from his 2016-17 handling of rookie Mitch Marner, when he publicly ranked teammates by work ethic.
Verbatim Quotes
- “we got it wrong” — John Davidson, Oilers president of hockey operations
- “Obviously, we don't find it unreasonable because we're allowing it to happen. I do think Vegas is clearly within their contractual rights to do what they're doing,” — Bill Daly, NHL deputy commissioner
- “100% Mike Babcock is the Edmonton Oilers’ guy,” Stauffer said.” — Bob Stauffer, Oilers insider
- “the worst person I have ever met.” — Johan Franzen, former Red Wings forward
What’s Next
The NHL and NHLPA must complete their review before Edmonton can finalize a contract. If cleared, Babcock could assume the bench for the 2026-27 season; otherwise the Oilers will return to alternative candidates.
