Multiple media outlets reported Monday that the Edmonton Oilers are close to finalizing an agreement with Mike Babcock to serve as their new head coach.
The 63-year-old Babcock has been away from the NHL since 2023, when he stepped down just 11 weeks after Columbus Blue Jackets named him head coach. His departure came following an NHL Players’ Association investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct, specifically claims that he requested players to display personal cellphone images to him. Babcock never coached a single game for Columbus.
According to reports, Edmonton is consulting with the NHLPA to determine whether bringing Babcock aboard would be appropriate.
Prior to his short-lived tenure in Columbus, Babcock compiled a 700-418-19-164 coaching record across three franchises: the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim from 2002-03 through 2003-04, the Detroit Red Wings from 2005-06 through 2014-15, and the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015-16 through 2019-20.
His coaching achievements include guiding Detroit to the Stanley Cup title in 2008 and leading Team Canada to Olympic gold medals in both 2010 and 2014.
Edmonton dismissed coach Kris Knoblauch on May 14 following their first-round playoff elimination by the Anaheim Ducks. The Oilers had reached the Stanley Cup final in the previous two seasons, falling to the Florida Panthers both times.
Reports indicate the Oilers recently sought to interview former Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy about the position, but the Golden Knights prevented those discussions from taking place.
