The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search took another interesting turn after Mike Babcock’s name surfaced as a potential candidate for the vacancy.
NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on X that Edmonton is consulting with the NHL Players’ Association before potentially moving forward with the veteran coach.
“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 on X. “Amid allegations of invading players privacy, Babcock resigned in CBJ as Head Coach in 2023. Further investigation may be required.”
Babcock has not coached in the NHL since stepping down as Columbus Blue Jackets head coach in 2023. His departure came before coaching a regular-season game after allegations surfaced that he had improperly requested to view players’ personal phones, leading to concerns about privacy and workplace conduct.
Fans had their own take on the situation under Dreger’s post.
“This would be insane! Babs is a terrible person!” one fan wrote.
Others defended the veteran coach.
“He didn’t invade no f***** privacy lol people these days are just f***** soft as s***. This world is too woke,” another user commented.
Some fans felt Edmonton should focus on other coaching options instead.
“The Oilers already had to do this kind of thing with Stan Bowman… fix the organization, do what is right, hire Cassidy, Laviolette, or Torts,” one fan wrote.
Another user compared the situation to the approach taken by the Golden Knights.
“World class coach. Edmonton using Vegas tactic which is winning is more important than PR.”
One fan even brought Connor McDavid into the discussion.
“Jesus, if I’m McDavid I’m calling the GM right now and telling him make a trade to Toronto before July 1. Edmonton management is a joke,” the fan wrote.
Babcock has not coached in the NHL since stepping down as Columbus Blue Jackets head coach in 2023 before coaching a regular-season game. The Oilers are searching for a replacement after parting ways with Kris Knoblauch earlier this offseason.
Could Craig MacTavish become an option for the Oilers?
Craig MacTavish’s name has also come up as Edmonton looks for its next head coach. Edmonton Journal reporter Jim Matheson recently suggested the former Oilers coach as a possible short-term solution.
“If the Oilers grow weary of waiting to talk to Cassidy and want a one year coach Craig MacTavish might be your guy locally,” Matheson wrote on X.
MacTavish coached the Edmonton for nine seasons and led the franchise to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. Edmonton came within one win of a championship before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games.
Since leaving the Edmonton bench in 2009, MacTavish has worked in several roles around the game. He has coached in the AHL and KHL, spent time in Edmonton’s front office and served as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues during the 2022-23 season.
Whether the Edmonton seriously consider MacTavish remains to be seen, but his name has now entered the conversation as Edmonton continues its search for a new head coach.
Edited by Sonali Verma