The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly closing in on a head coach hire that has the entire NHL buzzing — and not necessarily in a good way. Sources familiar with the situation claim the team is zeroing in on veteran bench boss Mike Babcock, a move that would send shockwaves through the league and potentially ignite a firestorm inside Edmonton’s own locker room.
Babcock’s Bizarre Columbus Chapter Still Haunts Him
It’s no secret that Babcock’s last attempt at an NHL return ended in disaster. After being hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, he never coached a single game. Instead, he resigned following an NHLPA investigation into allegations that he violated players’ privacy by asking to view personal photos on their cellphones. The NHLPA shared its findings with the league, which then passed them on to Blue Jackets management. Team president John Davidson later admitted the organization “got it wrong” in hiring Babcock. Now, with the Oilers reportedly circling, that dark cloud is following him to Alberta.
One of the Most Accomplished — and Controversial — Coaches Available
Babcock’s résumé is undeniably impressive. He hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in a classic six-game series. He also served as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Anaheim Ducks. But his reputation has taken a serious hit in recent years, and insiders say the Oilers’ front office is well aware of the risk. Sources close to the situation claim the team is weighing whether Babcock’s proven ability to maximize talent can outweigh the baggage he carries.
Oilers Players Reportedly Reaching Out to NHLPA About Babcock
The drama doesn’t stop there. According to ESPN insider Greg Wyshynski, the NHLPA has confirmed that multiple Oilers players have already reached out to inquire about Babcock’s status and any open investigations into his conduct. That’s a clear sign that some in the locker room are uneasy about the potential hire. TSN first reported Edmonton’s interest in Babcock, and since then, the rumor mill has been churning nonstop. One insider told us, “This is a massive gamble. If it backfires, it could tear the team apart.”
Pressure Mounts After Early Playoff Exit
The Oilers’ head coaching job is arguably the most attractive vacancy in the NHL right now. Edmonton fired Kris Knoblauch after the team failed to reach a third straight Stanley Cup Final this season. The Oilers made the Final the previous two years, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. This season, they finished the 2025-26 campaign with 93 points — good enough for a playoff berth, but they were stunned in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks. That early exit has raised the stakes dramatically. Fans and analysts alike are wondering: is Babcock really the guy to get them over the hump, or is this a desperate move that could backfire spectacularly?
What This Could Mean for Edmonton
If the Oilers do pull the trigger, they’ll be bringing in a coach with a proven track record — but also a target on his back. The league will be watching closely, and so will the players. Some observers speculate that the hire could create a rift between management and the locker room, especially if Babcock’s methods clash with the modern player-first culture. Others argue that his tactical mind and no-nonsense approach are exactly what Edmonton needs to finally break through. Either way, this story is far from over.
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