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Oilers Hire Mike Babcock, Add D.J. Smith, Target Cup

6/23/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock as their 19th head coach on June 23, 2026 after the NHL cleared him on June 18, 2026.
D.J. Smith joined as a coach after serving as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, where he posted an 11-6-6 record on March 1, 2026.
Oilers, with Connor McDavid under a $25 million contract through 2028, aim for Babcock to win a Cup before his free agency.

History

Historical Context

Mike Babcock, who took over Detroit on July 15 2005 and guided the Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup after a 58-win regular season, was hired by the Edmonton Oilers on June 23 2026. The Oilers, already reshaped by Connor McDavid’s $25 million, 2028-through contract, hope his proven turnaround can end their decade-long playoff drought.

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Story summary

Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock as their 19th head coach on June 23, 2026 after the NHL cleared him on June 18, 2026.
D.J. Smith joined as a coach after serving as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings, where he posted an 11-6-6 record on March 1, 2026.
Oilers, with Connor McDavid under a $25 million contract through 2028, aim for Babcock to win a Cup before his free agency.

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