Ice Hockey
Mike Babcock officially named Edmonton Oilers head coach
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The worst-kept secret in the NHL is finally official.
On Tuesday morning, the Edmonton Oilers named Mike Babcock the 19th head coach in team history.
During his 17 seasons behind the bench, Babcock's record is 700-418-183, where he coached the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He led the Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup.
Babcock is the only coach in hockey history to win a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal (2010, 2014), an IIHF World Championship (2004), and a World Cup of Hockey title (2016). But Babcock returns to a whole new NHL than the one he left seven seasons ago.
But that almost wasn't the case.
The NHL had an investigation into what led Babcock to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets before even coaching a game in 2023. Babcock left the post after only three months of his tenure in Columbus, when criticism arose after he requested to view personal photos from players' cell phones.
"The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock's tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith," the NHL said in a statement. 'Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League."
The Oilers, led by the best player in the NHL, Connor McDavid, are relying on Babcock's extensive experience to guide them back to the Stanley Cup Finals after losing to the Anaheim Ducks in six games in the first round. The early exit prevented the Oilers from a third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
