Oilers’ Babcock Hire Sparks NHL Fears as Players Voice Concerns

The Edmonton Oilers are facing growing unease across the NHL after moving forward with Mike Babcock as their head coaching candidate, despite a league-wide investigation into his past coaching methods. As player agents and team reps express concerns, the Oilers' decision is already impacting free agency and trade talks.

The NHL confirmed on June 15 that an official investigation into Babcock’s tenure as a head coach is underway. The Oilers, who had previously pursued Bruce Cassidy, only to be denied permission to speak with him by Vegas, shifted their focus to Babcock after he met with ownership, management, and a small group of players. That meeting convinced some players that Babcock could challenge the team’s superstar core and bring the winning experience the Oilers sought.

However, not all players on the roster were involved in those conversations, and some are now seeking clarity. “Several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in the direct conversations with Babcock also voiced concerns, adding they didn’t like the idea of clients being traded there, either,” noted Elliotte Friedman in a Monday column. “One thing those Oilers players who met with Babcock should do is explain to teammates what convinced them this should be a legit option.”

The Oilers had asked the NHL and NHLPA for any potential hiring concerns, including possible supplemental discipline. The NHLPA raised objections, but Oilers leadership remained confident in proceeding with Babcock’s hiring, pending league approval.

Now, agents of players across the league are warning that their clients are reluctant to join the Oilers if Babcock is hired. “If the Oilers hire him, those players will either avoid Edmonton or have real reservations about going there,” Friedman wrote.

The Oilers appear willing to wait for the NHL’s investigation to conclude before making a final decision on Babcock. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights still hold the final say on whether any team can speak with Bruce Cassidy. With the playoffs over, the pressure is on for Vegas to decide whether to grant the Oilers permission to talk to their head coach.

Next steps will involve the NHL’s findings and whether they will influence the Oilers’ coaching decision. The league has not set a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion, but the decision will likely impact the Oilers’ summer plans and their pursuit of free agents and trade targets.