Scotty Bowman, the most accomplished coach in NHL history, believes Mike Babcock could be the right choice for the Edmonton Oilers. At 92, Bowman hasn't been directly involved in the controversies surrounding Babcock's tenures in Detroit, Toronto, and Columbus, but from a pure coaching standpoint, he remains a supporter.
Bowman's Perspective on Babcock
Bowman, who worked alongside Babcock during his time with the Detroit Red Wings and later had conversations with him as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, shares the strong opinions prevalent in Oilers Nation. Babcock is undeniably a skilled coach with a winning record, but he carries significant baggage, including allegations of bullying. Despite this, Oilers owner Daryl Katz is seeking a coach to lead the team to a Stanley Cup and retain superstar Connor McDavid long-term.
A Coaching Decision Fraught with Peril
“I don’t know what they’re doing in Edmonton. Stan doesn’t bother me much,” said Bowman, referring to his son, Oilers GM Stan Bowman. “But Mike is a smart guy, a good coach… he’s been around great players, coaching (Detroit) and in those tournaments. When you win in the Olympics, that’s not easy. I know Canada’s the favourite but you have a lot of pressure on you.”
Bowman, who still watches NHL games regularly, emphasizes that Babcock hasn't lost his coaching touch despite being away from an NHL bench since 2019-2020. “Mike got 100 points in Detroit eight years out of 10, won a Stanley Cup against Pittsburgh and lost another one to the Penguins. I know Mike’s been out for a while (NHL) but so was Joel (Quenneville). Even (John) Tortorella. Not as long away as Mike and Joel, but look at him,” said Bowman.
The Pressure of Coaching in Edmonton
Bowman acknowledges the immense pressure to win with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the league's top players. “Anytime a team has been near the top, which they (Oilers) have been for some time… getting into two finals and not winning, your team pays a price because you’re so close,” said Bowman. “Mike’s had a lot of success, but he’s also had a lot of adversity. Toronto’s a tough town.”
Bowman also noted Babcock's close relationship with Oilers forward Zach Hyman, who flourished under Babcock in Toronto. “I know when I talked to Mike when he was coaching Toronto, he was also very close to (Zach) Hyman. He often told me how valuable a player Hyman was. I’m sure he still has a good relationship with him. Hyman wasn’t highly regarded as a pro player coming out of Michigan but he blossomed in Toronto and he’s had a big career in Edmonton.”
As the Oilers weigh their options, including a possible pursuit of Bruce Cassidy, Bowman's endorsement adds a compelling voice to the debate over Babcock's potential return to coaching.
