| Mike Babcock [message #852561] |
Mon, 15 June 2026 14:15  |
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 Kr55
Messages: 12955
Registered: May 2002
Location: Edmonton
6 Cups
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Figure this man needs his own thread
Since the league put the ball in our court to show our seriousness about hiring him before officially starting their investigation, I guess this is a clear sign we REALLY want Babcock to coach our team:
Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
NHL to officially begin investigation in to Mike Babcock’s 2023 Columbus resignation.
https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-officially-opens-mi ke-babcock-investigation/
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One of the initial challenges here is that some Blue Jackets players and staff members from back then initially indicated they had no desire to re-live what happened three years ago and didn’t want to participate. So we will see how the investigation handles that, or if anyone moves past that reluctance.
Several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved the in direct conversations with Babcock also voiced concerns, adding they didn’t like the idea of clients being traded there, either.
The Oilers appear willing to wait to see the conclusions of this investigation before ruling out Babcock as a contender. Now that the playoffs are over, there is also Vegas’s decision on Cassidy. Will they grant permission for the Oilers, or anyone else, to talk to him?
Right now, the only other opening is Toronto.
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Lots of media speculation that Katz is the driving force behind wanting Babcock, which makes perfect sense really. Katz's time hanging out with Kevin Lowe and the Olympic Hockey Canada crews in the 2000's has been the inspiration of many of our management hires since Katz bought the team. Babcock was the star coach of that period. Really, Katz's entire time as owner has been chasing the shadow of the 2010/2014 Canada Olympic teams. Nicholson, Lowe, Holland, Chiarelli, Tambo. We've almost collected the whole set, just the coach left. Yzerman and Armstrong the only guys missing, but doubt they shake loose for Katz.
[Updated on: Mon, 15 June 2026 16:51]
"We need to get better immediately. That starts today"
- Lowe, 2013
"Next year I would forecast as another developmental year"
- MacT, 2015
5 x $5,000,000
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nullterm
Messages: 1207
Registered: July 2007
Location: Port Moody, BC
1 Cup
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So Babcock actually emotionally scarred people from what he was doing, and some Oilers are "yeah, we want some of that!" and others are looking for the door.
Grrrrrrreeeeeeaaaat.
Illegitimi non carborundum.
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mightyreasoner
Messages: 576
Registered: October 2005
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
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What a colossal failure for this organization to be exploring this path:
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Several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in the direct conversations with Babcock also voiced concerns, adding they didn’t like the idea of clients being traded there, either,” writes Friedman
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“The union, in particular, reacted negatively, and there were multiple conversations where it voiced objection,” Friedman continued.
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https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-player-agents-concerned -as-nhl-begins-babcock-investigation
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Analyst Jason Gregor also highlighted the growing unease. He shared a text from an NHL player agent, who said, “The opportunity to play with McDavid or Draisaitl is diminished with the potential to be coached by Babcock. It is a valid concern voiced to me by a few of my clients.”
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https://x.com/JasonGregor/status/2066658740489863389
Like, what are they doing? As if it isn't hard enough to get players to come here. And when you have no pipeline of talent in your system, free agency is you only lifeline to revamping your roster. What a joke of a franchise.
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mightyreasoner
Messages: 576
Registered: October 2005
Location: Edmonton
No Cups
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Fully expect Ingram, Kapanen, Murphy, and Roslovic to all sign elsewhere if this happens.
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HamBlaster
Messages: 1416
Registered: June 2007
1 Cup
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This has Katz's hands all over it. In no effing world would any GM or POHO bring in a guy with Bab's reputation. This literally makes no sense, and I can't see Bowman being THIS dumb. We want a coach with a great reputation, like Cooper, Bednar or Brind'Amour... and I get that those guys aren't available presently. But BABCOCK? JFC.
If they bring him onboard, this franchise is cooked for the next 10 years. No FAs, no pipeline, stars will want out... they'll be starting from scratch. Berube would be a better fit than Babcock, if you can't get Cassidy.
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