Oilers face backlash over reported interest in coach Mike Babcock

Ankit KumarMon, June 8, 2026 at 7:15 PM UTC·3 min read

The Edmonton Oilers‘ search for a new head coach has sparked immediate criticism after reports linked the organization to former NHL bench boss Mike Babcock.

NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on X that Edmonton is consulting with the NHL Players’ Association before potentially moving forward with Babcock’s candidacy.

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“Sources: The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock, ” Dreger wrote. “… Further investigation may be required.”

Babcock has not coached in the NHL since resigning from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023. His departure came before coaching a single regular-season game after allegations surfaced that he improperly requested to view players’ personal phones, leading to concerns about privacy and workplace conduct.

MORE: Oilers Rumors: Bruce Cassidy drama to push Edmonton toward unexpected hire

The latest report triggered a wave of backlash across the hockey community.

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Analyst Shayna Goldman questioned the decision, writing, “Bad enough that CBJ went this route in 2023 (and look what happened)… have 1) teams learned nothing, and 2) does anyone have any sort of morality code, 3) are there more than 35 men to cycle through these 32 jobs.”

Hockey content creator Mike Bartner added, “Free Connor McDavid till it’s backwards. What a joke of a management group.”

The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn wrote, “The dying star of McDavid’s prime years comes down to stan bowman and mike babcock. Incredible stuff 🤘”

Podcaster Rob Gucci wrote, “McDavid to Montreal,” speculating a trade.

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Analyst Kevin McCurdy wrote, “This organization just cannot get out of its own way.”

Former NHLer Ryan Whitney wrote, “Wow. Babs. Holy s**t.”

Why the Oilers are even considering Mike Babcock?

The controversy highlights the pressure surrounding Edmonton’s coaching search. After firing Kris Knoblauch following a first-round playoff exit, general manager Stan Bowman is under enormous pressure to maximize what many view as a two-year Stanley Cup window.

Connor McDavid‘s recent two-year $25 million extension effectively places the organization in a win-now position. With McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still in their prime, Edmonton appears focused on finding a veteran coach capable of delivering immediate results.

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And for that, Babcock’s resume brings what they need. He won a Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008, coached Canada to multiple international gold medals, and accumulated 700 NHL victories. His track record is difficult to ignore.

MORE: Oilers Rumors: Edmonton is ‘ready’ to trade $74M D-man ahead of 2026-27 NHL season

However, coaching success alone may not be enough. Modern NHL organizations place increasing importance on leadership style, communication, and player trust. Those concerns are central to why the NHLPA’s input appears to be part of Edmonton’s evaluation process.

The Oilers already face questions about roster construction, defensive depth, and goaltending stability. Hiring a coach carrying significant baggage could create another distraction for a team that can ill afford one.

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Whether Babcock ultimately emerges as the choice remains unclear. What is certain is that even exploring the possibility has generated a strong reaction from fans and analysts who believe Edmonton should be looking forward rather than revisiting one of hockey’s most controversial coaching stories.