Edmonton Oilers fans sound off at Mike Babcock rumour
The entire hockey community seems to have similar thoughts when it comes to the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers hiring Mike Babcock.
This had been speculated on by Bob Stauffer weeks ago, but it felt more like his own thoughts rather than intel. Now, it seems as though he may have had some inside knowledge.
It’s now being heavily reported that the Oilers are indeed interested in hiring Babcock as the replacement for Kris Knoblauch.
Sources: The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock. Amid allegations of invading players privacy, Babcock resigned in CBJ as Head Coach in 2023. Further investigation may be required.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 8, 2026
Babcock hasn’t coached a regular-season game since the 2019-20 season, when he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs after 23 outings. He was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, but wound up being fired before the regular season even started after it was revealed that he had been going through his players’ phones in what most believe was an intimidation tactic.
It’s resulted in a major fall from grace for Babcock, who was once regarded as the best coach in the NHL. Rather than excitement from the Oilers fan base over his potential hiring, seemingly, everybody thinks it would be a major mistake.
“They are doing everything they can to push McDavid out of Edmonton,” one fan wrote on X. “What a horrible management / ownership group.”
Interestingly enough, it sounds as though management brought this to Oilers leadership and got their blessing to hire Babcock. Nonetheless, fans still aren’t happy.
“This might be the end for me,” another user chimed in. “40+ years of cheering for this team. You hire people first. And he is not a person I’m interested in.”
Edmonton Oilers fans making their thoughts on Babcock clear. (X)
This doesn’t guarantee that Babcock will be the Oilers’ head coach, but the interest is clearly there. They continue to be linked heavily to Bruce Cassidy and have had at least one meeting with Craig Berube.
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