Photo credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY NETWORK
Tonight, reports are indicating that controversial head coach Mike Babcock is on the verge of returning to the NHL as a head coach.
Mike Babcock remains one of the most controversial figures in the NHL after multiple firings for misconduct involving players.
The most recent incident came when the Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock, but he was fired just days later after reportedly looking through players' phones.
Now, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly set to take a major risk and hire Babcock to be their head coach for the 2025-26 season.
Edmonton Oilers reportedly on the verge of hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach
According to the latest reports from several different sources, the Oilers are in the final stages of hiring Mike Babcock as their head coach.
Before things can officially be out into place, the Oilers are consulting the NHLPA regarding their opinion of Babcock returning to the NHL.
Additionally, core players including Connor McDavid were asked to give their input on the potential move.
All of this background work on Babcock from the Oilers seems to indicate that Babcock is their top candidate if he is cleared by the NHLPA.
While things could still change, Babcock seems like a near lock to become the next head coach of the Oilers.
If the Oilers do hire Babcock it would be their second controversial hiring after adding GM Stan Bowman a couple of summers ago.
If Babcock is added, it will be interesting to see if he can get the Oilers back on track and the culture back to the standard many believe has not been there in recent years.
As more information is provided on Babcock's future and his potential hiring by the Oilers we will pass that news along to you.
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