Mike Babcock Rules Himself Out of Oilers Search, Saying He Is Retired at 62
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 21
Mike Babcock Rules Himself Out of Oilers Search, Saying He Is Retired at 62
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 21
Babcock told TSN's Darren Dreger, "I'm retired. Loving it," ending speculation that he could join Edmonton's search for a new head coach.
The 62-year-old has not coached an NHL game since Toronto fired him in 2019, and his 2023 return with Columbus ended before the season after reports he asked players to share personal cellphone photos.
That removes a high-profile name from a pressure-filled opening tied to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, with the next coach expected to keep Edmonton in Stanley Cup contention quickly.
McDavid's two-year extension begins this fall, making the hire part of a broader effort to prove the Oilers can still win around their core.
Six coaches have failed in the McDavid era. Can a new hire fix the team, or are the Oilers' problems uncoachable?
With Bruce Cassidy the top candidate, can his structured system finally bring defensive accountability to Edmonton's star-powered, but flawed, roster?