The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search has taken a dramatic turn. After missing out on former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, Edmonton has, by all accounts, zeroed in on Mike Babcock, a move that has quickly become one of the NHL’s most controversial storylines.
With opinions sharply divided across the hockey world, Hall of Famer Chris Pronger has now weighed in on the possibility of Babcock returning behind an NHL bench, offering a candid assessment of the veteran coach and the challenges that come with hiring him.
Hall of Famer Breaks Down Mike Babcock’s Fit With the Oilers
According to multiple reports, Babcock has already met with Oilers owner Daryl Katz as well as members of the team’s leadership group. More notably, Connor McDavid and Edmonton’s core players have reportedly expressed support for the veteran coach, with insiders suggesting the group believes the team could benefit from a tougher, more demanding voice behind the bench.
However, Babcock’s controversial departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 continues to cast a shadow over his candidacy.
He resigned before coaching a single game after allegations surfaced that he had improperly asked players to show him personal photos on their phones. As a result, the Oilers have been consulting with the NHL Players’ Association, which has launched a formal review of the situation.
Speaking about the potential hire, 2015 Hall of Fame inductee Chris Pronger acknowledged both Babcock’s accomplishments and the concerns surrounding his coaching style.
“Really has a real unique understanding of how he coaches, how he develops, how he pushes players and tries to push the right buttons. And I think at times, he pushes the wrong buttons,” Pronger said.
#LetsGoOilers are looking to hire Mike Babcock.@chrispronger joins the show to give his thoughts on the potential move…
w/@LaughlinSXM + @GordStellick
on #NHL Morning Skate pic.twitter.com/PMUWzGLHoo— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) June 9, 2026
Pronger pointed to Babcock’s accomplishments, including a Stanley Cup championship and multiple Olympic gold medals, while noting that few have ever questioned his ability to coach at an elite level.
At the same time, Pronger admitted some of Babcock’s methods have drawn criticism from players over the years.
“Try to get the most out of you when maybe even you don’t know you’ve got more in the tank, and it might rub you the wrong way as a player, but they’re trying to get you to that next level. It’s not necessarily the warm and fuzzy way, it’s not necessarily the polite way, but he’s with his tactics, and I’m sure his edges have softened a little.
“But still, you are who you are,” Pronger added.
If Babcock lands the job, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reports that former Los Angeles Kings interim head coach D.J. Smith is expected to join his staff as an assistant.
Backlash and Controversy For The Oilers
Despite support from Edmonton’s leadership group, the potential hire remains highly divisive. Many fans and analysts have questioned whether bringing Babcock out of exile is the right move, with insider Frank Seravalli describing it as an “unforced tactical error.”
Critics point to Babcock’s recent track record. He hasn’t coached an NHL game since being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019 and hasn’t won a playoff series since 2013. Former players Johan Franzen, Mike Modano, and Mitch Marner have also publicly criticized his coaching style, leading many to question whether his approach fits today’s NHL.
For now, the Oilers are waiting for feedback from the NHL and NHLPA, but they remain the only team seriously considering a return for the veteran coach.
