Could the Babcock Connection Bring Important UFA Forward to Oilers?

With Mike Babcock all but certain to be named the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, the ripple effects of that hire could manifest in many ways. Most assume it will have a negative impact. However, there’s one key pending UFA forward who could see Babcock becoming the Oilers head coach as a plus.

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The NHL cleared Babcock on Thursday after completing its review of his 2023 tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, removing the final major obstacle to his return to coaching. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers are expected to formally begin the hiring process — contract negotiations included — as early as next week. The coaching search that began after Edmonton’s first-round exit against the Anaheim Ducks appears to be nearing its end.

But there’s a potential issue. How many players will avoid the Oilers because Babcock is behind the bench? Maybe a few, but likely not Boone Jenner.

When Babcock’s time in Columbus imploded in September 2023 over allegations that he’d asked players to scroll through personal photos on their phones, Jenner — then the Blue Jackets’ captain — was one of the few voices to publicly defend his coach. Jenner said Babcock had asked about his family, his upcoming wedding, and hockey during their first meeting, and that he was happy to share some family pictures in return. He called it a great first meeting and described it as a good way to build a relationship, adding that the controversy had been “blown out of proportion.”

Whether that was the Blue Jackets marching Jenner out there to quiet the noise or Jenner voluntarily coming forward, he still backed Babcock, and he didn’t have to. Jenner seemed to like Babcock, and he wasn’t shy about saying so.

Jenner Might Be a Good Fit with the Oilers

Now, with Jenner’s four-year, $3.75 million AAV deal expiring and the Oilers in the market for a third-line center, could one of Babcock’s few supporters be eyeing the Oilers? Jenner isn’t what he once was, but he’s still productive. He is set to be one of the top centers available in an unusually shallow free agent market, and the Blue Jackets aren’t keen to give him term given his injury history. He could be set to earn between $4 and $4.5 million.

This is also a player with history alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, having played on their line in the All-Star Game. These were lines chosen by McDavid. With Adam Henrique unlikely to return, Jenner is exactly the kind of physical, defensively responsible player the Oilers will be looking to sign.

There’s no link yet to Jenner, and technically, the Babcock hiring is not official. However, in free agency, personal relationships matter. And Jenner’s relationship with the man now set to run Edmonton’s bench could be the thing that wins out over the other options Jenner might consider.

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