The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search is no longer just about finding the next voice behind the bench. With Mike Babcock emerging as a serious candidate, the conversation has shifted toward whether one of hockey’s most polarizing figures deserves another opportunity in this league.
While criticism continues to follow his name, there appears to be a very different view inside Edmonton’s dressing room.
Zach Hyman Emerges as a Central Figure in Edmonton’s Mike Babcock Push
As scrutiny surrounding Babcock’s potential hiring intensifies, one player has reportedly become a leading advocate for the one-time Stanley Cup-winning coach.
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, Zach Hyman has played a significant role in supporting Babcock during Edmonton’s coaching search. Speaking on The Morning Show, Dreger stated, “Zach Hyman is one of the loudest voices in support of Mike Babcock in this process.”
Hyman is one of Edmonton’s most respected veterans and a core member of the leadership group that has reportedly been involved in discussions regarding the coaching vacancy. While public reaction to Babcock has largely focused on past controversies, Hyman’s perspective appears rooted in firsthand experience.
Hyman’s connection to Babcock dates back to his early years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. During that period, Babcock consistently trusted the winger with important assignments and substantial responsibilities. At a time when Hyman was still establishing himself in the NHL, Babcock showed confidence in his game and regularly deployed him in key situations.
This history helps explain why Hyman views the coach differently from many outside observers. For Hyman, Babcock was a coach who recognized his value and helped accelerate his development into a dependable top-line forward.
As Edmonton’s leadership group examined Babcock’s candidacy, this experience likely became an important part of the internal conversation.
There is also another connection drawing attention.
The Brantford Bulldogs, the Ontario Hockey League franchise owned by Hyman, recently hired Michael Babcock, Mike Babcock’s son, as head coach. While that move is separate from Edmonton’s coaching search, it has added another context to discussions surrounding the relationship between the two families.
Hyman’s support comes as Babcock continues to face significant opposition across the hockey world. The NHLPA has requested a formal investigation into allegations tied to his brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. Reports indicate the NHL is proceeding with the investigation, and the NHLPA has asked to delay Babcock’s hiring until the investigation is completed.
Despite the controversy, reports suggest Edmonton’s leadership group questioned Babcock extensively about his past conduct before expressing support for bringing him aboard.
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Whether the Oilers ultimately complete the hire remains uncertain. However, Dreger’s report has revealed an important detail behind the process: if Babcock is Edmonton’s preferred candidate, Hyman has emerged as one of the strongest voices helping drive that support from within the room.
