Oilers analyst blasts potential Mike Babcock hire - "Horrible decision"
The organization seeks union approval for the former Detroit and Toronto coach amid concerns about his past workplace conduct and seven-year absence from the NHL.
- The Edmonton Oilers are seeking clearance from the National Hockey League and the NHLPA before potentially hiring Mike Babcock, initiating this review to address potential issues regarding his professional history.
- Babcock was previously fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019 amid allegations of "mentally abusive" coaching styles and resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets before coaching a game due to unprofessional conduct.
- Broadcaster Bob Stauffer reported that veteran players, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, support the potential hiring, noting that star players are typically involved in major organizational decisions.
- Hiring Babcock forces the Oilers to fire current coach Kris Knoblauch, three months before his $7.8 million, three-year contract begins, creating a costly organizational shift.
- Concerns persist regarding Babcock's seven-year absence from an NHL bench, though sixteen of the last 20 coaching hires in 2025 involved individuals with prior experience, reflecting broader league recycling trends.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Mike Babcock Is Proof That No One Is Too Weird To Get Hired In The NHL
The National Hockey League is no more prone to imitation than any other species of parrot, particularly when something that seems counterintuitive works out well. It is for that reason and that reason only that the news out of Edmonton this day is not as gobsmacking at it seems. Wait, Edmonton? What the hell does Edmonton have to do with anything, and why should it pull one's attention from what may be the most weirdly compelling Stanley Cup Fin…
NHLPA Urges Delay in Oilers' Mike Babcock Hiring Amid Privacy Allegations
The Edmonton Oilers are facing pressure from the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) regarding Mike Babcock's potential hiring as head coach. Following allegations of privacy violations during Babcock's tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHLPA has requested that the NHL suspend the hiring until an investigation concludes. The allegations include Babcock allegedly asking players to share personal phone photos, raising concerns given his cont…
thesportsleader.comtorontotelegraph.comReports: NHLPA wants investigation before Oilers hire Mike Babcock
The NHL Players' Association has requested that the league conduct an investigation of coach Mike Babcock as the Edmonton Oilers move toward hiring him, TSN and The Athletic reported Tuesday.Independent hockey insider Frank Seravalli added that the union specifically asked the NHL to step in and delay the Oilers' hiring of Babcock until the league can complete an investigation into allegations stemming from his brief stint with the Columbus Blue…
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