May 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the logo of the Edmonton Oilers on the jersey of goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
May 29, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the logo of the Edmonton Oilers on the jersey of goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
While the Edmonton Oilers are scrambling to find a new head coach for their team in the form of Mike Babcock, veteran Oilers reporter Bob Stauffer brought up a comparison from the past recently. The Oilers Now host noted that, post the former Oilers’ General Manager Peter Chiarelli being fired, another name had surfaced.
Stauffer recorded that the current Nashville Predators GM, Chris MacFarland, was recommended to the Oilers as a valuable replacement. This statement was made on June 12, 2026, per an X post by NHL Rumour Report.
“Bob Stauffer: Chris MacFarland's name was suggested to people in the Oilers organization when Pete Chiarelli was fired back in 2019 - Oilers Now (6/3)”
The 2019 chaos mirrors today: a fired coach, a stalled search, and a core group waiting for answers. The 2017-18 season saw the Oilers miss the playoffs. By January of the 2018-19 season, they were sitting at a record of 23–24–3, about to miss the playoffs once again.
The front office decided to fire the then-GM Peter Chiarelli on January 22, 2019.
Following this, Keith Gretzky, brother of former Oilers’ legend Wayne Gretzky, was picked as the interim GM, before Ken Holland was appointed.
But Stauffer notes that Chris MacFarland had been named as a possible replacement. He had served as operations manager and assistant to the GM for the Columbus Blue Jackets for 16 years.
MacFarland had also worked with the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant to general manager Joe Sakic. He even helped them win the 2022 Stanley Cup.
While his name was suggested, he was not hired for the role of the Oilers’ GM. He was under contract with the Avalanche and went on to sign a six-year contract with the Nashville Predators before the Oilers could make a move.
Why Are There Delays in Mike Babcock’s Hiring as Oilers HC?
After the Oilers fired HC Kris Knoblauch on May 14, 2026, the process of recruiting Babcock began. The process is taking longer than expected due to Babcock’s past coaching experiences.
Babcock led the Detroit Red Wings to a championship in 2008 and has not missed a playoff over his decade with the Wings till 2015. After being hired as the HC for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, he also resigned from the role after he was accused of violating the players’ privacy by asking to see photos on their phones.
The National Hockey League Players Association has launched a full-fledged investigation into Babcock in light of these accusations.
Edmonton’s core player group has also been consulted regarding Babcock’s hire. After the green light, they now await the conclusion of the NHLPA’s investigation to go forward with Babcock’s hiring.
Do you think Babcock will be a good fit for a struggling Oilers roster? Let us know in the comments.
