The persistent rumour linking Mike Babcock to the head coaching position of the Edmonton Oilers shows no signs of fading away. Despite Babcock's own statements of retirement, the speculation remains a hot topic among hockey insiders and fans alike.
Bob Stauffer Keeps the Rumour Alive
Bob Stauffer, a prominent hockey insider and host of the Oilers Now show, has repeatedly brought up Babcock's name in discussions about potential coaching candidates. Stauffer, who has unparalleled access to Oilers information due to his role with the team, raised the topic during a recent episode. He agreed with guest John Shannon that Vegas might eventually allow fired coach Bruce Cassidy to speak with other teams, but Stauffer also explored the scenario where Cassidy is not available. In that context, he mentioned Babcock multiple times, prompting questions about whether this is merely engaging radio content or a hint of inside knowledge.
Insider Reactions to Babcock's Potential
On the Real Kyper & Bourne show, former NHL player Nick Kypreos dismissed Babcock as an option for Edmonton, but co-host Justin Bourne strongly disagreed. Bourne stated, "He'd be perfect for them right now, like absolutely perfect as a coach. All the other baggage, whatever you think of him, he's the exact 'get-you-over-the-hump, galvanize-the-boys' type of guy." This sentiment was echoed by other insiders who praised Babcock's coaching pedigree.
Two well-known NHL insiders, Frank Seravalli and Pierre LeBrun, spoke highly of Babcock's coaching abilities when Stauffer raised his name on Oilers Now. LeBrun commented, "Next to Scotty Bowman, Mike Babcock's probably the best coach I've ever covered. But you know, obviously, with that comes all the baggage we know about." However, LeBrun also noted that he reached out to Babcock, who texted back, "Pierre, I am retired." Stauffer pushed back, questioning whether coaches ever truly retire.
Seravalli's Take on Babcock's Fit
Frank Seravalli emphasized that Edmonton needs a coach who can push the team over the top. He said, "If you're setting the parameters of: must have experience and have been a winning Stanley Cup coach, that (Babcock) would be the guy that I'd be looking hardest at, if not Bruce Cassidy. I know some Oilers fans aren't going to like that, but he's just got a little bit more of a fresh perspective and is a little bit less recycled than some of the other guys." Stauffer added that Babcock is the only coach in history to achieve the Triple Gold Club, winning the Stanley Cup, World Championships, and an Olympic gold medal.
Shannon's Opposition and Cassidy as Alternative
John Shannon, who has been around the NHL for five decades, expressed strong opposition to Babcock. He told Stauffer, "I'd be disappointed if the team hired Mike Babcock. Because I think the game is different now... The pendulum has shifted to having the players have an active role in a lot of the decision-making process." Shannon still believes Edmonton will have a chance to hire Bruce Cassidy after the playoffs, as he expects the Golden Knights to grant permission for Cassidy to speak with other teams.
TSN's Darren Dreger also contacted Babcock, who reiterated his retirement. Despite this, the rumour persists, fueled by Stauffer's ongoing mentions and the opinions of various hockey analysts. Whether Babcock is truly retired or could be lured back to coach the Oilers remains a topic of intense speculation.
