The Oilers’ coaching search has been hogging the headlines since Monday, and with good reason. After a shocking first-round exit and the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch, Edmonton has been linked to several high-profile candidates, but one name has quickly emerged as the frontrunner: Mike Babcock.
As the controversial coaching pursuit gains momentum, many fans are wondering what happened to veteran coach Peter Laviolette. Now, an NHL insider has revealed why Laviolette ultimately missed out on the job in Edmonton.
Why Peter Laviolette Missed Out On Oilers’ HC Job
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Laviolette’s situation came down to a combination of timing, competition from other teams, and the immense pressure surrounding the Oilers organization.
Friedman explained that many of the major decisions being made in Edmonton are being driven from the very top of the organization. With Connor McDavid under contract for only two more seasons, the Oilers are operating with a heightened sense of urgency and believe they cannot afford any missteps.
While Laviolette reportedly interviewed well with Edmonton, he was also one of the most sought-after candidates on the coaching market.
“Laviolette was in a really interesting spot. He had three teams going after him, and ultimately he chose LA,” Friedman said.
“I thought Laviolette was going to be the coach of Toronto at least, and LA swooped in and did it. And Edmonton was interested in him too. But I think a lot of this comes right from the top, and in Edmonton, it’s a really, it’s a really desperate time there. There’s no room for error.”
The veteran coach eventually signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings, taking one of the biggest names off the market before Edmonton could make its move.
In many ways, the decision was out of Edmonton’s control. The Oilers’ coaching search had slowed down to a crawl as they waited to see whether the Vegas Golden Knights would allow them to speak with Bruce Cassidy. While Edmonton remained in that holding pattern, the Kings acted quickly and locked up the veteran coach.
Oilers Shift Focus Elsewhere
With Laviolette now coaching a Pacific Division rival and other options fading, the Oilers have turned their focus to Mike Babcock, a move that has quickly become one of the NHL’s most controversial offseason storylines.
At the time of writing, reports indicate that the NHL has opened a fresh investigation into Babcock as the Oilers wait with bated breath.
For Edmonton, the stakes could not be higher. The organization knows its championship window with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl is open right now, which is why ownership appears determined to make a bold choice rather than a safe one.
Whether that gamble ultimately pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Laviolette is no longer part of the equation, and the Oilers’ coaching search has entered a much more controversial phase.
