Oilers Coaching Changes
Edmonton Oilers Hire Mike Babcock as Head Coach, DJ Smith as Assistant Amidst Fan Debate
The Edmonton Oilers named Mike Babcock as their 19th head coach on June 23, 2026, ending weeks of speculation with one of the most controversial hires in recent NHL history. Babcock, 63, returns to an NHL bench for the first time since a 2023 Columbus Blue Jackets scandal forced him out before he coached a single game. Parisstaronline reported the hockey world's reaction was swift — and sharply divided.
The NHL cleared Babcock earlier this month, stating there is "no current basis to restrict his employment in the League." The Oilers also announced D.J. Smith as associate coach. Smith, a former Ottawa Senators head coach, brings a proven defensive background to the staff.
Babcock's Record Is Elite, But His Baggage Is Heavy
Babcock ranks 12th all-time in NHL regular-season wins with over 700. He has coached 1,301 games across Anaheim, Detroit, and Toronto. He is the only coach ever to win a Stanley Cup (2008), two Olympic gold medals (2010, 2014), and a World Championship. Calgarysun noted he ranks 5th all-time in winning percentage among coaches with at least 1,000 regular-season games.
But his past casts a long shadow. In 2019, reports surfaced that he forced Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Mitch Marner to rank teammates by work ethic and shared that list with veterans. In 2023, his Columbus tenure ended before it started after reports he asked players to show him private photos on their phones. He walked away from an $8 million contract. The NHLPA has called his past conduct "concerning" even while accepting the NHL's clearance.
Oilers Fired Knoblauch After Two Cup Final Losses
The Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch on May 14, 2026, after a first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks. Knoblauch had led Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025. Both ended in defeat to the Florida Panthers. A poor 2025-26 regular season sealed his fate. The front office wanted a harder-nosed approach, according to Fortmcmurraytoday.
The Oilers first tried to hire Bruce Cassidy. The Vegas Golden Knights refused to allow an interview, as Cassidy remained under contract. With that door closed, management turned to Babcock. It is the fourth coaching change in Edmonton since 2019, following Dave Tippett, Jay Woodcroft, and Knoblauch.
D.J. Smith Hire Draws Praise as Defensive Antidote
Smith is seen as a key piece of the plan. He went 11-6-6 as interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings in early 2026. Before that, he spent four seasons as head coach of the Ottawa Senators. He also previously worked as an assistant under Babcock in Toronto, so the two know each other well. Woodstocksentinelreview noted Smith is expected to lead the penalty kill and fix the defensive zone breakdowns that hurt Edmonton against Anaheim.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski called Smith a "solid hire" who is well-liked by players. That matters for a team hiring a coach with Babcock's complicated reputation. The Cult of Hockey's David Staples and Sportsnet's Jack Michaels both expressed optimism, according to Coldlakesun. Staples suggested Babcock may be the first coach in Oilers history to truly challenge the team's superstar core.
McDavid's Future Hangs Over This High-Stakes Gamble
The stakes could not be higher. Connor McDavid is entering the final years of his current contract. If Babcock's old-school style alienates the locker room, McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could eventually leave Edmonton. Many analysts and fans see this hire as a "high-stakes gamble," as Theobserver put it — one that could pay off big or blow up the franchise.
Commentators Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman have called this Babcock's last real chance in professional hockey. If another controversy arises, most believe his NHL career ends for good. The NHLPA has made clear it will watch the Oilers' locker room closely. Training camp in September will be the first real test of whether this gamble was worth taking, according to Prrecordgazette.
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