Locker Room Divided: UFA Already Rethinking Return If Oilers Hire Babcock?

The Edmonton Oilers are waiting for the official investigation into Mike Babcock to conclude, but a potential issue is already brewing on the team as the leadership group shows its support for his hiring.

---

Elliotte Friedman and Jason Gregor are both reporting that players on other teams (some pending UFAs) are looking at Edmonton now and seeing them as a team to stay away from. If they go through with the hire, the Oilers will likely lose out on some who would otherwise have considered Edmonton a landing spot.

Gregor posted, “Response via text from an NHL player agent when I asked about Oilers coaching rumour…“The opportunity to play with McDavid or Draisaitl is diminished with the potential to be coached by Babcock. It is a valid concern voiced to me by a few of my clients.”

But, it’s not just players on other teams that see red flags. Inside the Oilers own locker room, there appears to be a divide.

Friedman writes, “The union, in particular, reacted negatively, and there were multiple conversations where it voiced objections. However, those members of the Oilers leadership group were satisfied by what they’d heard from other players and Babcock directly. They were prepared to move ahead with the hiring, if allowed.” He adds, “One thing those Oilers players who met with Babcock should do is explain to teammates what convinced them this should be a legit option.”

As it stands now, not every Oiler is on board. In fact, some are questioning their future with the team.

For example, Mark Spector writes, “Edmonton Oilers still very much on UFA Connor Murphy‘s radar. Pending coaching search and status of Darnell Nurse both factors in his decision/negotiation. Not deal breakers, we’re told, but factors.” He’ll want to know what happens with Nurse and what kind of opportunity that provides for him. Beyond that, he also wants to know if Babcock is coming in and why.

Again, this isn’t to say that Murphy will avoid Edmonton or that he’s said anything to the effect of ‘It’s him or me,’ but it does suggest there is pause on the part of players and a desire to see how this all plays out until the future is a bit clearer.

If he doesn’t want to return and the Oilers successfully trade Darnell Nurse, that’s two big parts of the Oilers’ blue line suddenly gone.

Perhaps this will all blow over. NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that there are some who feel the things that went on in Columbus weren’t actually that bad. While troubling, it wasn’t anything that would or should keep Babcock from working in the NHL again. If that’s found to be true, some of those Oilers who have reservations may relax a little and know that the leadership group wouldn’t have supported such a hire.

Next: Insider Wonders if Oilers or Maple Leafs Would Hire John Tortorella