The debate surrounding the Edmonton Oilers‘ pursuit of Mike Babcock took another turn this week after NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh pushed back on suggestions that players were behind the organization’s interest in the veteran coach.
Speaking on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Walsh made it clear that responsibility for coaching hires belongs to management, not the locker room.
“There’s been some reports that the players have pushed this,” Walsh said. “Listen, it’s the GM, the president, the owner of a team, who hires a coach – not the players. Trying to put that on the players, that’s not the way it should work here.”
The comments come as Edmonton waits for the NHL to complete an investigation into Babcock’s conduct before any hiring can move forward. The probe was requested by the NHLPA after Babcock’s 2023 resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets amid allegations involving player privacy.
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Oilers players had Input, but not final authority
Reports throughout the process have indicated that Edmonton’s leadership group, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, was consulted before management entered discussions with Babcock.
According to David Pagnotta, the Oilers spoke with core players and received feedback before advancing talks. In an X post, Pagnotta wrote, “Sources indicate Edmonton’s management brass consulted with its core players, including captain Connor McDavid, before having talks with Babcock. Final decisions, though, are made by owner/managers.”
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun also reported that team leaders were given a voice in the process.
“This kind of thing, for sure, as sources have confirmed to me as well, would’ve been run by the leadership group in that room,” LeBrun said. “So you can absolutely know that the players are on board with this. But that this is not being done to them, that they have had a voice in this.”
However, Walsh’s comments draw an important distinction.
Consulting players and allowing players to make the decision are two very different things. In today’s NHL, organizations routinely seek feedback from leadership groups on major cultural decisions. Ultimately, though, ownership and management remain accountable for those choices.
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That distinction matters because public reaction has increasingly focused on whether McDavid and Edmonton’s veterans approved the move. Walsh’s position is that the burden should not be placed on players.
NHL’s investigation remains the key obstacle for Oilers’ Mike Babcock pursuit
The larger issue remains the ongoing NHL investigation.
“We asked the NHL to do an investigation before they hire a coach… they’ve agreed,” Walsh said. “I haven’t talked to the commissioner in a couple days now. I’m going to see him a little bit tonight here…waiting to see what the investigation has happens with the investigation, but we’ll see what happens when it’s over.”
No timeline has been established for the review, leaving Edmonton’s offseason in limbo.
The Oilers’ interest in Babcock is understandable. Edmonton finished 25th in goals against during the 2025-26 season and suffered a disappointing first-round playoff exit. Management is searching for a coach capable of restoring structure and accountability.
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Still, hockey credentials are only part of the equation. Until the league reaches a conclusion on Babcock’s eligibility and past conduct, Edmonton cannot move forward with certainty. For now, the investigation—not the players—remains the central story
