Edmonton Oilers reportedly close to hiring Mike Babcock with Connor McDavid approving decision in ongoing NHL coaching search developments

The Edmonton Oilers are moving closer to hiring veteran coach Mike Babcock as their next head coach, TSN reports. A number of NHL insiders have indicated that captain Connor McDavid and the leadership group have been consulted in the process.

The Oilers’ search intensified after the team was denied permission to speak to former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy. Now the organization is turning its attention to Babcock, whose potential return continues to be a talking point around the league.

Mike Babcock and Edmonton Oilers NHL coaching discussions intensify

Mike Babcock and the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly closing in on a deal on the open head coaching job.

Multiple NHL insiders have said Oilers owner Daryl Katz has been personally involved in discussions around the former Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs coach. Connor McDavid has voiced support for the possible appointment, reports Elliotte Friedman, Pierre LeBrun and David Pagnotta.

The Oilers have also reportedly spoken with members of the team’s leadership group as the organization considers the next step in its search for a coach.

Edmonton had been without a head coach since parting ways with Kris Knoblauch earlier in the off-season. General manager Stan Bowman had initially pursued former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, but talks could not go forward without permission.

That development sent the Edmonton Oilers back to the drawing board. One name immediately jumped to the top of the list: Mike Babcock, a man with a stellar coaching resume that includes over 700 NHL wins and a Stanley Cup title with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008.

Mike Babcock’s return would be one of the biggest NHL updates of the offseason. The 63-year-old has an impressive record and international success with Team Canada, but his previous exits from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets are still debated.

His style of leadership and past controversy have made him one of hockey's most polarising figures. If a deal is reached, Babcock’s return would be among the biggest stories in the NHL news roundup heading into the 2026-27 campaign.