Unless the Vegas Golden Knights grant the Oilers permission to talk with Bruce Cassidy sometime soon—which may never happen—Edmonton will be speaking with many candidates about their open head coach position. As they should. Fishing from a deep pool of candidates is always smart, even if you have a preconceived favorite going in. The process can turn up a great prospect you had not seriously considered. But even more likely, something will go wrong with the guy you thought was a lock. It happens in business all the time. If you are the person doing the hiring, you had better learn how to pivot.
Questionable Names in the Mix
Some people are bent out of shape about a few of the names that have been circulating. While it is not a popularity contest, a couple of names do not make a whole lot of sense.
Mike Babcock
Mike Babcock’s name has come up. Babcock coached over 1,300 NHL regular season games, with a record of 700-418, 19 ties, and 164 overtime losses. He has a Stanley Cup ring, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Cup championship. There are legitimate questions about his methods behind the scenes, but on the ice, he was a hell of a coach. The problem: the last time the 63-year-old Babcock coached an NHL game was November 20, 2019—seven years ago. What do you say about a carton of milk past its due date?
Darryl Sutter
At least Darryl Sutter coached as recently as 2023. One of the winningest coaches in league history, his record is 634-467, 101 ties, and 83 overtime losses. Sutter also has two Stanley Cups from his time in Los Angeles. He is 67 years old. An upstanding citizen and a proud Albertan, there may be some old-school attraction to his method of coaching. However, it is fair to ask just how contemporary his methods would be in today’s game—or if he even wants to coach anymore.
John Tortorella
John Tortorella’s name is only on this list because it was reported that Vegas was not sure going in that he would be their man long term. Tortorella has had a lengthy and relatively successful career. Many have wondered when his off-ice act would wear out. Given Vegas’ success in these playoffs, that may not be any time soon. Do not hold your breath.
More Likely Candidates
Other names swirling around are far more likely to land the job.
Craig Berube
The Oilers have begun talking with Craig Berube. He is a good coach, though his reputation may have been tainted by his last year with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Berube certainly deserves some of the blame for what went on in Toronto, there is a lot more wrong with that franchise than just him. He has a record of 365-252 behind an NHL bench, a Stanley Cup from St. Louis, and is from Alberta.
Peter Laviolette
Peter Laviolette boasts a record of 846-562, 25 ties, and 161 overtime losses. He also has a Stanley Cup and is one of the few bench bosses to lead three separate franchises to the cup finals. He may be an acquired taste, but it is difficult to argue against the results he has achieved in relatively short runs. That seems to fit Edmonton’s situation and makes him a serious name to consider.
