Edmonton Oilers Near Hiring Mike Babcock as Head Coach
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- Edmonton Oilers are closing in on hiring Mike Babcock as head coach, according to ESPN sources.
- Mike Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but resigned without coaching a game after an NHLPA investigation into alleged privacy violations involving players' cell phones.
- John Davidson of the Blue Jackets said the organization "got it wrong" in hiring Babcock, reflecting internal acknowledgment of the controversy.
- Mike Babcock would become the Oilers’ fourth NHL head‑coaching stop, adding a 2008 Stanley Cup championship and 700 career wins (12th all‑time) to his résumé.
- Connor McDavid signed a two‑year contract extension that begins next season, extending Edmonton’s championship window before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
- Bruce Cassidy was a target for the Oilers after their playoff exit, but the Vegas Golden Knights exercised their contractual right to block interview requests, as confirmed by deputy commissioner Bill Daly.
Why it matters: The Oilers secure a coach with a championship pedigree, aligning with McDavid’s new extension to extend the team’s title window, while the NHLPA’s ongoing scrutiny of Babcock’s past privacy breach means players and the league must clear any remaining investigations before he can coach.
