NHL players tell their agent that they won't play for Oilers under Mike Babcock

The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Kris Knoblauch and assistant Mark Stuart following a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. But the name sitting atop the shortlist is generating significant backlash from players and agents across the league. Mike Babcock, the former Stanley Cup-winning coach who resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 amid allegations of invading players' privacy, is reportedly the frontrunner for the job, and not everyone is thrilled about it.

Growing Pushback From Players and Agents

When journalist Jason Gregor reached out to an NHL player agent about the Oilers' coaching search, the response was blunt. The agent said the chance to suit up alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, widely considered two of the best players on the planet, loses some of its luster if Babcock is the one running the bench. The agent noted that several of his clients had expressed that exact sentiment.

The concerns are not limited to players outside the organization. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, multiple agents representing current Oilers players who were not part of direct discussions with Babcock have also raised red flags. These agents reportedly said they were uncomfortable with the idea of their clients playing under Babcock and added that they would not want future clients traded to Edmonton if Babcock were hired. That is a particularly damaging revelation for a franchise that relies on its star power to attract talent in a market that can already be a tough sell for some players.

The unease surrounding Babcock traces back to his departure from Columbus, where he stepped down after it came to light that he had allegedly crossed boundaries with players regarding their personal lives. That incident cast a long shadow over his coaching career, and it appears the hockey world has not forgotten. For the Oilers, who are trying to build a championship-caliber roster around McDavid and Draisaitl during their prime years, the potential fallout of hiring Babcock could extend well beyond the locker room and into free agency and trade negotiations.

Babcock's Decorated Resume vs. His Controversial Exit

There is no denying that Babcock brings an impressive coaching pedigree. He guided the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup title in 2008 and also spent time behind the bench for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Toronto Maple Leafs. On the international stage, he led Team Canada to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014. His track record of winning at the highest levels is exactly the kind of experience a franchise like Edmonton would typically covet.

However, the circumstances surrounding his resignation from Columbus have clearly left a mark on his reputation within the sport. The allegations of overstepping personal boundaries with players created a trust deficit that many in the hockey community are unwilling to overlook, regardless of his accomplishments. For a team that just fired its coaching staff after a disappointing playoff performance, bringing in a polarizing figure could create more problems than it solves.

General manager Stan Bowman now faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, Babcock's experience and winning track record could provide the kind of structure and accountability the Oilers need to take the next step. On the other hand, the vocal opposition from agents and players suggests that hiring him could make it harder to retain current talent and attract new pieces through free agency or trades. With McDavid and Draisaitl still in their prime, the Oilers cannot afford to make a misstep that alienates the very players they need to compete for a championship.

As the coaching search continues, all eyes remain on Edmonton to see whether the organization will move forward with Babcock despite the growing chorus of opposition or pivot to a less controversial candidate. Either way, the decision will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.