Connor McDavid and Mike Babcock are now attached to the Oilers' messiest summer story.
The newest turn is what makes this worse for Edmonton. Elliotte Friedman reported that several agents for current Oilers players who were not part of direct talks with Babcock still raised concerns.
It did not stop there. Friedman added that some agents also did not like the idea of clients being traded to Edmonton if Babcock gets the job.
That pushes this beyond a normal coaching debate. This is no longer only about whether Babcock can coach again. It is about whether Edmonton is hurting its own market before the hire is even official.
The Oilers created this pressure the moment they fired Kris Knoblauch on May 14 and left the bench open. NHL.com confirmed no replacement was named that day.
Then the Babcock file took over. Sportsnet reported the NHLPA asked for a full investigation into what happened in Columbus in 2023 before Edmonton could move ahead.
" “The chance to play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl loses some of its luster if Mike Babcock is the coach.”
- NHL player agent via Jason Gregor "
Now the league has officially opened that investigation with the Stanley Cup Final over.
“Several of my clients have expressed that exact sentiment.”
- NHL player agent via Jason Gregor
The Oilers may already be facing backlash from players over Mike Babcock
Because contenders need open doors. They need players willing to listen, agents willing to work with the market, and trade targets willing to waive protection if the fit is right.
If agents are already warning clients away from Edmonton, that is not small noise. That can touch free agency, trade talks, and even the room around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
There is still a path where Babcock gets cleared. Chris Johnston said he does not expect the investigation to block Babcock from coaching in Edmonton.
But being allowed to coach and being the right hire are not the same thing. The reputational hit is already here, and the Oilers are paying for it in public before they get any benefit on the bench.
“Players are already telling agents they don't want to play under Mike Babcock.”
- Jason Gregor
Stan Bowman now has the decision that defines this offseason. He can keep waiting for the review to end, or he can pivot and stop the bleeding before it reaches roster building.
" “They would not want future clients traded to Edmonton if Babcock were hired.”
That is why this story feels bigger now. Mike Babcock was already a controversial candidate. Friedman's update turned him into a possible obstacle to Edmonton attracting players, and that is a dangerous place for a win-now team to live.
Source : NHL players tell their agent that they won't play for Oilers under Mike Babcock
Should the Oilers walk away from Mike Babcock right now?
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