The Edmonton Oilers are looking to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach, a decision that has left fans extremely upset. This is especially the case after a new detail emerged: Babcock reportedly spoke directly to Oilers owner Daryl Katz instead of going through the usual channels.
The 2025–2026 season did not go as planned for the Edmonton Oilers. After reaching two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Florida Panthers both times, they were expected to make another deep playoff run.
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Mike Babcock to the Oilers
Instead, they were eliminated in the first round, losing 4–2 against the Anaheim Ducks. On May 14, the Oilers parted ways with head coach Kris Knoblauch. Since then, they have been in search of a new head coach. On Monday, news broke that the Oilers have consulted the NHLPA to determine whether there are any obstacles to hiring Mike Babcock.
Babcock’s last NHL coaching job was in 2019 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was later hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but was fired before coaching a game. Babcock resigned after an NHLPA investigation found that he had violated players’ privacy by asking to see photos on their cellphones. This time, the NHL would need to approve the hire, making the decision controversial among fans.
Fans are furious
Fans are also very upset over the fact that Babcock has already spoken with players on the team and with Oilers owner Daryl Katz.
“I find it staggering that Babs is still even being considered after what happened in Detroit, then Toronto, and then Columbus. If they think this will have a Torts effect on the team, it won’t—it screams desperation. Of all the coaches you could pick, you choose a dinosaur,” one fan wrote on X.
“This would be insane. This guy has twice done things that are completely inappropriate for anyone in management anywhere. There is also a lineup of players who have already testified to what an a**hole he is,” another fan wrote.
“This would all but guarantee that 97 and 29 ditch Edmonton for other opportunities. Babcock is a star killer. Awful human being. His time has come and gone. The league has passed him by. He’s finished. The modern athlete has no time for his antics,” a third chimed in.
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