The Edmonton Oilers face a critical decision as they consider hiring Mike Babcock as head coach, a move that could define the remaining window of Connor McDavid's prime. Steve Simmons explores the complexities of Babcock's legacy, from his historic achievements to the controversies that have followed him.
Babcock's Polarizing Legacy
Pavel Datsyuk played the best hockey of his life under Mike Babcock in Detroit, but by the end of his career, he wanted nothing to do with the coach. Nicklas Lidstrom won four Norris Trophies under Babcock and left the Red Wings because he could no longer tolerate playing for him. Chris Osgood, who had two brilliant playoff runs under Babcock, now has little positive to say about him.
This duality defines Babcock: a coach with a Hall of Fame-caliber resume who is also considered by many to be a deplorable human being. The question for the NHL and the Oilers is whether his methods, which have been successful in the past, can still work today or if they are outdated.
The Oilers' Urgent Timeline
The Oilers are racing against the clock. Connor McDavid has two years left on his contract, giving Edmonton a narrow window to win a Stanley Cup. After failing to secure Bruce Cassidy from Vegas, the Oilers have turned to Babcock, a move reminiscent of the controversial hiring of general manager Stan Bowman. Many teams would avoid Babcock after his tumultuous departures from Detroit, Toronto, and Columbus, but the Oilers are desperate for a championship.
Babcock's early success in Toronto, where he led a young team featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander to a playoff series against the Capitals, demonstrates his ability to elevate a team. However, his effectiveness waned by his fifth season, and he hasn't coached an NHL game since 2019.
Can Babcock Succeed Again?
Babcock doesn't need to be liked to win; he needs to lead. His track record with stars like Datsyuk, Lidstrom, and Zetterberg, as well as his Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2010 and 2014, prove his coaching acumen. If the NHL clears him to coach, he could be the solution for the structurally challenged Oilers.
This and That: Staal's Playoff Heroics
Jordan Staal's performance in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final has been historic. He scored six goals in five games, becoming the first player since Jean Beliveau to score in every game of the Final. Despite being overlooked for Team Canada's Olympic roster due to age, Staal's 20th season has been remarkable. Meanwhile, Nik Ehlers has thrived in Carolina with 17 playoff points, compared to just 14 total in his last seven seasons with Winnipeg.
Dylan Larkin's trade request from Detroit raises questions about no-trade clauses. If a player asks to be traded, should he lose the right to dictate his destination? Darnell Nurse, by contrast, has told the Oilers he is willing to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt anywhere, a more straightforward approach.
Mark Stone's stick-lifting technique deserves to be taught across the NHL, while Darren Raddysh may command a significant contract as a free agent. Reports that the Maple Leafs nearly traded Matthew Knies at the deadline are unfounded.
Hear and There: Blue Jays and More
The Blue Jays' decision to give out rings for losing the World Series is questionable. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has struggled, ranking 112th in home runs and 153rd in WAR. Max Scherzer's poor performance, with a 10.23 ERA and a 1-5 record, raises questions about his place in the rotation. Kazuma Okamoto has exceeded expectations, while Trey Yesavage's 3.78 ERA could be lower with better defence.
Individual awards don't guarantee playoff success, as the Lightning learned after winning the Hart, Vezina, and Adams trophies but losing in the first round. Shayne Gostisbehere, once considered a salary dump, has been a key contributor for Carolina. The Leafs' hiring of John Chayka and Mats Sundin has not stopped leaks, as reported interviews continue to surface.
Scene and Heard: Anunoby's Rise
OG Anunoby, known for his defensive prowess, was seen as a complainer during his time with the Raptors due to his complaints about offensive usage. Now, he is on the verge of winning NBA Finals MVP with the Knicks, while Mitch Marner could claim Conn Smythe honors. The narrative around Marner's departure from Toronto persists, while Anunoby's exit is barely mentioned.
Anunoby's game-winning tip-in for the Knicks against the Spurs was a moment for the ages, while the Spurs' collapse was monumental. Masai Ujiri may have broken up the Raptors too soon, as Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, and Scottie Barnes have all excelled elsewhere.
And Another Thing: World Cup Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Team Canada World Cup match was unparalleled, even for a non-soccer fan. The Canadian Open golf tournament faces tough competition from the World Cup, Stanley Cup Final, NBA Finals, and Blue Jays-Yankees series. Early CFL games have been excellent, silencing critics of rule changes. A potential Round of 32 matchup between Canada and the USA would be thrilling.
The high flip pass, now popularized by analysts, was taught by Pat Burns and Scotty Bowman decades ago. Russ Anber's induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame is well-deserved. A voter who correctly chose Matthew Schaefer for rookie of the year oddly left him off the all-rookie team. Mighty Tanner, named after swimmer Elaine Tanner, won at Woodbine. Happy birthday to Macklin Celebrini, Steffi Graf, and others.
Steve Simmons can be reached at ssimmons@postmedia.com.
