The Edmonton Oilers have yet to officially introduce Mike Babcock as their next head coach, but the veteran bench boss has reportedly already begun making an impression on the players he'll be working with.
Babcock recently met with members of the Oilers roster following the completion of the NHL's review process, and according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the conversation was anything but comfortable.
As Friedman said in the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Babcock delivered a direct message to Edmonton's players about their role in the organization's continued inability to capture a Stanley Cup.
“I heard from a couple of people that when he met with the three Oilers players, it was some meeting. I heard they really grilled him hard, and I heard he spoke to them about their own role in the fact the Oilers hadn't won yet very bluntly,” the hockey insider said.
“But they're gonna do this and I don't know if Mike Babcock ever thought he'd get this chance again. …I hope he recognizes the opportunity, and I hope he does this the right way, if it goes badly, a lot of reputations are going down here. It's a big responsibility.”
It's safe to say that many around the hockey world are shocked that Babcock is getting another NHL coaching chance, especially as he was forced to resign before coaching a single game behind the Columbus Blue Jackets' bench back in 2023.
Known for his demanding approach and willingness to challenge players, the 63-year-old appears intent on holding Edmonton's core accountable from the very beginning. That philosophy could resonate with an Oilers team still searching for answers after another season without a Stanley Cup.
The Oilers have come as close as any team can without winning a championship, losing to the Florida Panthers in a heartbreaking one-goal Game 7 in the 2024 Finals after trailing in the series 3-0. Following another loss to the Panthers in 2025, this time in six games, the Oilers were eliminated in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks this spring.
That cost Kris Knoblauch his job, and it's looking like a formality that Babcock will be named the next head coach later this week.
Babcock's assumed hiring has generated significant debate across the hockey world, but there is little question that he brings an extensive resume to the job. The longtime NHL coach owns a Stanley Cup championship, two Olympic gold medals and more than 700 career victories behind the bench.
Whether his demanding style will help push Edmonton over the hump remains to be seen.
However, if Friedman's report is any indication, Babcock is wasting little time establishing expectations and challenging Edmonton's superstar core to take ownership of the organization's desperate pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
