Controversial Candidate Surfaces Amid Oilers’ Head Coach Search

As the Edmonton Oilers continue their search for a 10th head coach in 15 years, many names will be tossed around as the franchise waits to find out the fate of Bruce Cassidy in Vegas. With the Golden Knights either waiting at least until the playoffs end, or until they win the Stanley Cup, to grant permission for an interview, a different and polarizing name has surfaced in discussions: veteran bench boss Mike Babcock.

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The conversation gained traction during the May 19 edition of Oilers Now, when host Bob Stauffer asked former NHL GM, player, and agent Brian Lawton if Babcock could be a legitimate option following the team’s decision to fire Kris Knoblauch after back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances and a first-round playoff exit this spring.

Lawton did not dismiss the possibility outright. “I would think so,” he replied, drawing a parallel to Oilers GM Stan Bowman’s own return to the NHL. “Someone with Stan’s background would certainly have a lot of thoughts about that.”

He added, “(Stan) has gotten a second chance. I don’t think that was anything necessarily given. I think Stan worked at it. I think he deserved to get a second chance. Can I say that about Mike? I know Mike, and I really like him. I think he’s a good human being.”

A Second Chance for Mike Babcock in Edmonton?

Lawton then referenced Babcock’s troubles in Columbus and Toronto. “I know this business can be cruel. One wrong word, one wrong interaction with a player in today’s world is enough to set you back. There’s been a number of coaches and other people in management where it’s happened to.”

Babcock, 62, remains one of the most decorated coaches in recent NHL history. He won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, guided Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, and boasts a strong regular-season track record across stops in Anaheim, Detroit, Toronto, and briefly Columbus. He is the only coach to achieve the Triple Gold Club.

However, his reputation is deeply complicated. Babcock resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets before coaching a single game in 2023 after allegations that he crossed personal boundaries with players, including requests to view private photos on their phones. Past player accounts have repeatedly highlighted strained relationships and questions about his communication and leadership style.

For a contender built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still in its championship window, the risks are significant. A Babcock hire could push buttons that need pushing, but it could also test locker-room trust, invite intense media and fan scrutiny. While second chances exist — as the Oilers have been known to give and Bowman’s comeback illustrates — many view the move as a potential step backward at a critical juncture.

Many fans in Edmonton call the Bowman hire one of the worst decisions the Oilers have made in the past few years. Allowing him to hire Babcock might only be piling on. But, if it works…

The Oilers have not commented publicly on specific candidates. Whether Babcock is under serious consideration or merely a talking point remains to be seen. Expect more names to pop up out of nowhere while the coaching search feels a bit in limbo. Cassidy remains the top target, but the Oilers sought and were granted permission to speak with Craig Berube, there is thought they’ll talk to Peter Laviolette, and Elliotte Friedman even mentioned John Tortorella if he’s not retained in Vegas.

Should anyone really be surprised Bobcock’s name popped up?

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