Babcock's Controversial Return
Edmonton Oilers Weigh Mike Babcock Hiring Amidst Past Controversies and Team Culture Concerns
The Edmonton Oilers are seriously considering hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach — the same coach who admitted to psychologically manipulating a 19-year-old rookie and was forced to resign from Columbus before coaching a single game National Post. The move comes after top candidate Peter Laviolette signed with the Los Angeles Kings on June 8, leaving the Oilers scrambling Sportsnet.
TSN insider Darren Dreger broke the story that the Oilers are now consulting with the NHLPA before any deal is finalized Calgary Sun. If hired, Babcock would become Edmonton's 10th head coach in 15 seasons.
Babcock's Dark History With Players Made Public
In January 2017, Babcock asked then-19-year-old Mitch Marner to rank his Leafs teammates by work ethic. Marner, trying to be humble, ranked himself last. Babcock then showed that list to the veterans Marner had ranked low, causing the teenager serious emotional distress Edmonton Journal.
In 2023, Babcock was hired by Columbus and lasted less than a month. He asked players to hand over their phones so he could project personal photos in a team meeting. The NHLPA launched an investigation. Babcock resigned. Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen called the hire a "mistake" Vancouver Sun.
Connor McDavid's Two-Year Clock Is Already Ticking
McDavid recently signed only a two-year, $25 million bridge extension — not the long-term deal the Oilers wanted. He left roughly $6.6 million per season on the table to give Edmonton cap flexibility. In exchange, he sent a clear message: win now, or he walks in 2027 National Post.
McDavid said after the season that the "organization as a whole has taken a step back." The Oilers fired coach Kris Knoblauch on May 14 following a first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks Edmonton Journal. That was the team's fifth head coach dismissed in 11 years.
Analysts Call It a Desperate, High-Risk Gamble
The reaction from hockey media has been brutal. Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic put it plainly: "The dying star of McDavid's prime years comes down to Stan Bowman and Mike Babcock. Incredible stuff." Babcock has not won a playoff series since 2013, despite racking up over 700 career NHL wins Calgary Sun.
Critics argue the Oilers are ignoring a decade of toxic behavior in favor of "championship pedigree." GM Stan Bowman said he would consult McDavid and Leon Draisaitl throughout the coaching search Vancouver Sun. Draisaitl had already warned the team was "not trending in the right direction."
NHLPA Must Sign Off Before Any Deal Can Be Done
Because of the Columbus incident, any Babcock hiring now requires informal approval from both the NHL and the NHLPA. Dreger reported that "further investigation may be required" before a contract is finalized Calgary Sun. If current Oilers players felt pressured to approve the hire, a formal grievance could follow.
Elliotte Friedman confirmed the interest is "real" and that Oilers leadership has worked to eliminate "any potential objection" to the hire National Post. Babcock reportedly met directly with ownership and pitched what he called "evolved" coaching methods. Whether the league agrees remains to be seen.
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