Breaking: Oilers officially hire Dave Tippett

According to multiple online reports, the Edmonton Oilers have officially announced hired former Arizona Coyotes and Dallas Stars head coach Dave Tippett as the team’s next head coach.

Today’s hiring signals yet another big front office move from the Oilers this offseason that all started with the hiring of former Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland earlier this month. Since Holland has been in Edmonton the team has waved goodbye to longtime Oilers executives Craig MacTavish and Duane Sutter. Interim head coach Ken Hitchcock was also relieved of his coaching duties, but will remain with the team in an advisory role.

As for Tippett, the 57 year old Saskatchewan native has a wealth of NHL coaching experience, but hasn’t been behind the bench since the 2016-17 season with the Coyotes. He’s coached over 1,100 NHL games and has earned a playoff berth in eight of his 13 years behind an NHL bench. There’s no denying Tippett’s pedigree, but given his penchant for coaching reserved, defensive teams many fans are wondering if he’s the best fit for a team whose identity revolves mostly around the high powered offence of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. 

More on this story to come following the Oilers’ official announcement and press conference.