We’re bang in the middle of the Stanley Cup Final, but somehow, the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search has quickly become one of the NHL’s biggest storylines.
After a first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks, general manager Stan Bowman moved on from Kris Knoblauch and began the search for a coach who could help maximize the team’s shrinking Stanley Cup window.
But what started as a straightforward coaching search has become a complex, winding process. Now, with Mike Babcock emerging as the leading candidate, many Oilers fans are already pushing back against what could come next if that plan falls apart.
Fans Not Sold on Oilers’ Plan C
Hiring Babcock won’t be straightforward. He resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 after an NHLPA investigation into concerns over player privacy. Owing to that situation, the NHLPA has reportedly asked the league to review his time in Columbus before any hiring can be finalized.
Insiders also say the NHLPA has received additional player complaints that were not made public in 2023. If the Oilers aim to move forward with Babcock, the NHL is expected to conduct a full review before making the hire official.
The Oilers have already missed out on a couple of high-profile options. Bruce Cassidy was Edmonton’s top target, but the Vegas Golden Knights continue to stand in the way. Peter Laviolette was also a strong candidate before signing with the Los Angeles Kings on a three-year deal.
That has led to growing speculation about who Edmonton might turn to if the Babcock plan falls through.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently suggested another familiar name could enter the conversation. “If not Bruce Cassidy, if not Mike Babcock, [Peter Laviolette’s] already gone, prepare yourself for the possibility of Darryl Sutter; you’re gonna have to get creative now if you’re the Oilers,” Seravalli reported.
Like Babcock, Sutter is known for his old-school coaching style, which has generated both success and criticism throughout his career.
The suggestion of Sutter immediately sparked debate across the hockey community.
NHL analyst Jonathan Willis pointed out that Sutter’s final season in Calgary may not have been as disastrous as many remember. “I know this is going to get mocked. I get why. I’m tempted to join in. Devil’s advocate: the year Sutter got fired in Calgary, the Flames were +12, had a 55 xGF% at 5v5, barely missed the playoffs thanks to terrible goaltending, and haven’t looked anywhere near as good since,” Willis noted.
Others weren’t nearly as enthusiastic. Heavy Hockey senior writer Ryan Lotsberg argued that Edmonton may be limiting itself by focusing too heavily on coaches with championship résumés. “Stop panicking and ditch the ‘Stanley Cup winner’ requirement, and you’ll have more options. Trying to copy the past success of others isn’t creative. Past success doesn’t guarantee future success,” Lotsberg opined.
OilersNation’s Baggedmilk summed up the mood with a simple Groundhog Day GIF, suggesting the organization may be repeating the same cycle. The Bleed Oil Blue channel also weighed in, asking fans: “If Cassidy didn’t work… And Babcock might not work… Are the Oilers turning to Daryl Sutter? I kinda like it. You?”
For now, the Oilers remain in a difficult position. With Connor McDavid’s championship window as urgent as ever, the organization is clearly prioritizing experienced, proven coaches. Whether that approach ultimately leads to Babcock, Sutter, or someone else entirely remains one of the biggest questions of the NHL offseason.
