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Oilers star reportedly opposed to Mike Babcock hire - "Can't support the hiring"
- The Edmonton Oilers are closing in on hiring Mike Babcock as head coach, with owner Daryl Katz and team leadership consulting on the appointment pending final NHL and NHLPA approval.
- Edmonton began searching for a replacement after firing head coach Kris Knoblauch in May; the team previously pursued Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, who was denied interview permission as he remains under contract.
- Babcock resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 after an NHLPA investigation into allegations he invaded player privacy by requesting personal photos on cellphones, citing a desire to avoid "further distraction for the Blue Jackets."
- Management consulted team leadership, including captain Connor McDavid, to ensure support for the hiring, while the Oilers work with the NHLPA to resolve objections regarding Babcock's past conduct and alleged privacy violations.
- As McDavid enters the first year of a two-year contract extension, the franchise faces pressure to secure a championship title, prompting the organization to prioritize this veteran coaching hire to maximize their competitive window.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left7Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 36%
14%
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