The Edmonton Oilers are preparing a real surprise solution in the NHL. The team is considering hiring controversial coach Mike Babcock as their new head coach, several NHL insider reporters say.

Among others, Darren Dreger reports on X that Edmonton is currently negotiating with the NHL Players’ Association about whether there are any issues with hiring Babcock.

Babcock, 63, left his position as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the fall of 2023 before the start of the season. At that time, it was reported that Babcock had demanded players show him personal photos from their phones. Babcock has not coached anywhere since the incident.

Babcock previously coached the Toronto Maple Leafs and was also in the midst of controversies at that time. He has been reported to have required rookie forward Mitch Marner to rank his teammates based on their work ethic.

Additionally, during Babcock’s coaching of the Detroit Red Wings, team player Johan Franzen has stated that Babcock is the worst person he has ever met.

Babcock has won the Stanley Cup during his coaching career in Detroit in 2008.

At the end of the past season, Edmonton fired head coach Kris Knoblauch.

Darren Dreger

@DarrenDreger
Sources: The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock. Amid allegations of invading players privacy, Babcock resigned in CBJ as Head Coach in 2023. Further investigation may be required.
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6:35 PM · Jun 8, 2026

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Topics Babcock Mike Edmonton Oilers NHL