The possibility of Mike Babcock becoming the next head coach of the Edmonton Oilers continues to generate discussion around the hockey world.

Fans have differing opinions about the veteran coach’s possible NHL return. But recent reports suggest the Oilers have already completed key behind-the-scenes work.

NHL insider David Pagnotta shared another update and stated that Edmonton’s leaders were involved in the process. According to Pagnotta, the Oilers spoke to key players, including Connor McDavid, before meeting with Babcock.

"Further to the Oilers/Babcock story, sources indicate Edmonton's management brass consulted with its core players, including captain Connor McDavid, before having talks with Babcock," he stated on X. "Final decisions, though, are made by owner/managers."

With captain and center Connor McDavid being the team’s biggest star, his reported awareness of the situation is a major talking point in the story.

Having dismissed head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant coach Mark Stuart in May, the Oilers need to solidify a choice as the offseason approaches.

Mike Babcock is one of the most successful coaches in hockey, but his reputation has been questioned following tenures with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

With the Jackets, his dismissal came less than three months into the job. Furthermore, he was fired without coaching a single league game.

Friedman, LeBrun, and Dreger Report Similar Developments

David Pagnotta’s report matches updates shared by other NHL insiders covering the same situation.

Elliotte Friedman previously reported that the Edmonton Oilers are seriously considering Mike Babcock and that he has already spoken directly with owner Daryl Katz.

Friedman also said that members of Edmonton’s leadership group met with the 63-year-old, and the talks helped clear concerns inside the organization.

"According to those same sources, Babcock has met with or spoken to several members of the team's leadership group," he stated, per HockeyFeed. "Whatever happened in those meeting(s) was enough to eliminate any potential objection."

Pierre LeBrun and Pagnotta both reported that Connor McDavid supports the idea. Their reports said that player approval would be a key factor if the Oilers decide to hire a controversial coach.

TSN Insider Darren Dreger reported that the Edmonton Oilers also spoke with the NHL Players’ Association as part of their checking process.

"The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock," he wrote on X.

This extra step shows how the team is approaching Mike Babcock’s potential hire. Among his accolades, he won a Stanley Cup and two Olympic gold medals.

As of writing, it remains one of the biggest offseason questions.

What is your take? How could Mike Babcock’s possible hiring affect the Oilers' locker room chemistry and playoff chances? Comment down below.

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul