The Oilers are reported to be finalizing a deal to make Mike Babcock their new head coach. Babcock would replace Kris Knoblauch, who was fired after the Oilers were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 playoffs. Knoblauch took the team to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025.
Babcock, 63, has not coached an NHL team since he was fired by the Maple Leafs after 23 in 2019. In 17 seasons with the Ducks, Red Wings and Leafs, he's amassed 700 career wins. He took the Ducks to the Stanley Cup Final in 2003, and won the Western Conference twice (2008, 2009) with the Red Wings, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008.
Babcock was hired by the Blue Jackets in 2003, but resigned under scandal in September of that year, after allegations he required players to share personal information during one-on-one meetings.
My take: Of course they are. I would never expect a reasonable decision from that organization. Wow. This is all kinds of dumb.
THE ASYLUM
Oilers target Babcock
The Oilers are reported to be finalizing a deal to make Mike Babcock their new head coach. Babcock would replace Kris Knoblauch, who was fired after the Oilers were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 playoffs. Knoblauch took the team to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025.
Babcock, 63, has not coached an NHL team since he was fired by the Maple Leafs after 23 in 2019. In 17 seasons with the Ducks, Red Wings and Leafs, he's amassed 700 career wins. He took the Ducks to the Stanley Cup Final in 2003, and won the Western Conference twice (2008, 2009) with the Red Wings, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008.
Babcock was hired by the Blue Jackets in 2003, but resigned under scandal in September of that year, after allegations he required players to share personal information during one-on-one meetings.
My take: Of course they are. I would never expect a reasonable decision from that organization. Wow. This is all kinds of dumb.
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