NHL insiders have revealed Edmonton's keen interest in hiring Mike Babcock or Bruce Cassidy as head coach. However, a third name keeps surfacing, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the NHL's top insider.
Tortorella's Future in Vegas
Friedman has speculated for weeks whether current Vegas Golden Knights coach John Tortorella might end up in Edmonton after his contract expires on July 1. On his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman noted that Vegas only promised Tortorella a job until June 30. “We'll see what they do. Someone's gonna hire that guy. He just did an incredible job. Now, the belief here is that Vegas is gonna hire Ryan Craig, their AHL Henderson coach,” Friedman said.
“A lot of people seem to think it's going to be Ryan Craig, but with Tortorella, there are two teams with coaching openings: Edmonton and Toronto. I'd be curious to see if Vegas doesn't keep him, would Toronto or Edmonton consider him?”
Edmonton's Coaching Search
Edmonton has signaled interest in an experienced coach who can command the room and has won the Stanley Cup. Tortorella fits that description, but he maintained Bruce Cassidy's systems in Vegas. The Oilers' issue last season was a lack of commitment to defensive hockey. Could Tortorella bring the necessary changes?
Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now stated that Edmonton wants to hire Mike Babcock. The NHLPA raised concerns over Babcock's past man-management style, described as callous and bullying. The Oilers countered that their top players met with Babcock and support his hiring. Edmonton awaits NHL clearance on whether Babcock can coach, with conflicting reports. Some insiders believe Babcock will be given the green light.
Community Reactions
Many commentators in Edmonton's hockey community are uneasy about Babcock potentially getting the job. The author notes that second chances are common in sports, and Babcock has had time to reflect. While Babcock is qualified, there are arguments that the Oilers could find a better hockey coach.
If Babcock doesn't end up in Edmonton, Tortorella remains an option, along with Darryl Sutter, who won two Stanley Cups with Los Angeles and had success with the Flames before their top American players wanted out.
