NHL Rumors: Mike Babcock to the Edmonton Oilers

Mike Babcock is busy coaching University hockey in Canada and his name has recently popped up as a potential replacement to Dave Tippett for the Edmonton Oilers should they be making a coaching change. Rumor has the team has been in contact to gauge his interest level in a job with the Oilers.

Can confirm that Holland has been in contact with Mike Babcock. Not too sure in what capacity or about what exactly. But one has to assume that it’s about a possible coaching change. There’s been no word on Woodcroft. #Oilers

— New World Oilers (@NewWorldOilers) December 15, 2021

Babcock most recently coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, spent a cup a coffee on-air doing television work and has since returned to the ice, volunteering at the University of Saskatchewan, coaching their hockey team.

Things didn't end well with the Maple Leafs as there were a ton of reports flying out about some questionable things he put in place in Toronto. This included scratching Jason Spezza in his first game, sitting Justin Holl for 71 games and making Mitch Marner out teammates for their work ethic in front of the entire team. 

The Oilers have lost a season-high six games and their fan base is growing inpatient as they even threw jerseys on the ice during their latest loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It would awfully ironic after a blowout to the Maple Leafs the team replaces their coach with Babcock. Stranger things have happened.

Photo credit:  John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports