The Edmonton Oilers‘ controversial pursuit of Mike Babcock appears to be coming from the highest level of the organization.
Speaking on FAN Hockey, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shed light on the decision-making process behind Edmonton’s coaching search, suggesting ownership has played a central role in the franchise’s recent moves.
“I think it’s ownership driven, I think this is right from the top,” Friedman said on Tuesday. “A lot of what’s happened in Edmonton at the end of the season has been right from the top, the coaching change, the pursuit of Bruce Cassidy, and this.”
The comments provide important context as the Oilers move closer to hiring Babcock following the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Edmonton finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record but fell well short of expectations, suffering a first-round playoff elimination against the Anaheim Ducks. That result triggered a rapid search for a veteran coach capable of maximizing a roster built around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
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Oilers’ Ownership has fingerprints on major decisions
Friedman’s remarks suggest the Oilers’ coaching search is part of a broader organizational push rather than a move driven solely by hockey operations.
The team initially targeted former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy before Vegas blocked Edmonton from speaking with him. The focus then shifted to Babcock, one of the most accomplished coaches available despite his lengthy absence from the NHL.
Babcock has not coached an NHL game since 2019 and resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching a regular-season game after concerns involving player privacy led to an NHLPA investigation.
Even so, Edmonton’s leadership group reportedly approved discussions with Babcock, while management continues consulting with the NHL and NHLPA before finalizing any agreement.
Talking about Oilers hiring Bobcock, Friedman said, “People seem to be confident it’s gonna happen; the more people I asked, the more they thought it was likely that this would get approved… but I hesitate to say that with 100% certainty.”
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Pressure surrounding Connor McDavid’s championship window
The urgency behind Edmonton’s search cannot be separated from McDavid’s contract situation.
McDavid’s two-year extension begins next season and effectively gives the Oilers a narrow window to prove they can contend for a Stanley Cup. Edmonton scored 282 goals last season, sixth-most in the NHL, but ranked 25th in goals against, exposing major structural flaws.
That explains the appeal of Babcock. His reputation has always been built on accountability, structure and defensive detail.
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The risk, however, is significant. Ownership appears convinced a strong, experienced voice is needed behind the bench. Whether Babcock is the right answer remains uncertain, but Friedman’s reporting makes one thing clear: this decision is being driven from the very top of the organization.
