Story perspectives

Oilers Hire Mike Babcock, Cleared for Cup Run

6/23/2026

Summary

Babcock Hired

The Edmonton Oilers appointed Mike Babcock as head coach on June 23, 2026.
The NHL cleared Babcock after reviewing his 2023 resignation from Columbus Blue Jackets.
Babcock won the 2008 Stanley Cup, reached finals in 2003 and 2009, earned Olympic golds in 2010 and 2014, and holds a 700-418-19 regular-season and 90-74 playoff record.
Critics call Babcock a bully, yet the Oilers pursue a Stanley Cup with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and coach D.J. Smith.

Summary

Babcock Resigns

Babcock resigned from Columbus Blue Jackets after NHL Players’ Association opened an investigation into claims he asked players to show photos in meetings and streamed them on television.
He signed a US$8 million contract on July 1 2023, quitting weeks after returning from retirement and saying staying would be “too much of a distraction.”
Mitch Marner and Nazem Kadri said Babcock’s ranking drills eroded locker-room trust.

Summary

Babcock Signs Deal

Babcock signed an eight-year, US$50 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 20, 2015, becoming NHL’s highest-paid coach.
He led Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Final on June 9, 2003, losing in seven games to New Jersey.
He advised the University of Vermont men’s hockey program from July 29, 2020.
He volunteered as head coach of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies from Feb 21, 2021.
Columbus Blue Jackets rehired him on July 1, 2023, ending a four-year NHL hiatus.

History

Historical Context

After the 2005-06 lockout, Mike Babcock took over the Detroit Red Wings, guiding them to a 58-win season and a Stanley Cup on June 4 2008, ending a six-year championship gap. His record-setting tenure, including Triple Gold Club honors, made him a coveted coach. On June 23 2026 the Edmonton Oilers hired Babcock to try replicating that success with stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

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Babcock Hired

The Edmonton Oilers appointed Mike Babcock as head coach on June 23, 2026.
The NHL cleared Babcock after reviewing his 2023 resignation from Columbus Blue Jackets.
Babcock won the 2008 Stanley Cup, reached finals in 2003 and 2009, earned Olympic golds in 2010 and 2014, and holds a 700-418-19 regular-season and 90-74 playoff record.
Critics call Babcock a bully, yet the Oilers pursue a Stanley Cup with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and coach D.J. Smith.

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