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Babcock's Bold Return: Oilers Bet on Challenging Coach
13 Jul
Summary
- Mike Babcock returns to coaching after a review cleared his past conduct.
- The Oilers hired Babcock to challenge their veteran roster after last season.
- Babcock has a decorated NHL history, including a Stanley Cup win.
Mike Babcock has been hired as the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. This move comes after the team decided a different approach was needed following a difficult conclusion to their previous season.
Elliotte Friedman, speaking on 32 Thoughts, indicated that the Oilers specifically sought a coach unafraid to challenge the team, suggesting Babcock fits this requirement. The NHL veteran coach was hired in June 2026 after the NHL granted him clearance to coach following a review of his past conduct.
Babcock has acknowledged his past actions, stating he has reflected on how he interacts with people. He expressed gratitude to the NHL and NHLPA for their review process. His coaching resume includes a 700-418-183 regular-season record and 10th all-time with 90 playoff wins.
Babcock's achievements extend beyond the NHL, having won a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals, an IIHF World Championship, and a World Cup of Hockey. He previously led the Anaheim Ducks to the 2003 Stanley Cup Final and had a highly successful tenure with the Detroit Red Wings.
