Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid and forward Leon Draisaitl stated the organization took a step back following last season, prompting management to fire coach Kris Knoblauch and hire Mike Babcock alongside associate D.J.
Roster Assessment and Management Changes
According to his May 2 media availability, McDavid stated that the organization took a step back, adding that accountability starts with him and Draisaitl. Draisaitl shared a similar assessment regarding the team’s need for improvement, which ultimately sparked sweeping changes during the offseason.
The front office acted swiftly on May 14 by firing coach Kris Knoblauch. Prior to that move, according to league reports, Edmonton had been denied permission by the Vegas Golden Knights to speak with Bruce Cassidy. Cassidy remained under contract with Vegas despite being fired on March 30.
Coaching Search and the Hiring of Mike Babcock
With Cassidy unavailable, Edmonton shifted its focus to Mike Babcock. According to club records, Babcock had been out of the NHL since leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets before the start of the 2023-24 season. His departure from Columbus followed reports that he asked players to share personal photos on their private mobile devices, a situation investigated by the NHL Players’ Association before Babcock and the Blue Jackets agreed on Sept. 17 to begin the process for him to step down.
Following an NHL investigation that cleared him of the Columbus allegations, Babcock was officially hired by Edmonton on June 23 alongside associate D.J. Smith. Before finalizing the deal, Babcock met directly with McDavid, Draisaitl, and forward Zach Hyman to address any player concerns.
Did You Know?
Mike Babcock’s return to an NHL bench follows an investigation by the NHL into allegations stemming from his brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, which concluded prior to his hiring in Edmonton on June 23.
Player Reaction and Locker Room Outlook
According to comments made on July 27, Zach Hyman recalled a positive history working with Babcock during their time together in Toronto.
“I obviously had a great experience with Mike in Toronto, and I thought that he did a great job with a lot of the young players that were there,” Hyman said on July 27. Hyman noted that Babcock set the foundation for players who have gone on to have long careers, adding that the players are excited for what he brings after clearing the league’s review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mike Babcock hired by the Edmonton Oilers?
Mike Babcock was hired by the Edmonton Oilers on June 23, following an NHL investigation that cleared him of allegations related to his previous tenure in Columbus.
Who did the Oilers interview or attempt to speak with before hiring Babcock?
Edmonton initially sought to speak with Bruce Cassidy, but the Vegas Golden Knights denied permission because Cassidy remained under contract. The team then turned its attention to Babcock.
What prompted the offseason changes in Edmonton?
According to end-of-season media availability on May 2, both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl stated that the organization took a step back and needed to improve.
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