Mike Babcock is already reshaping the Edmonton Oilers coaching staff, and his newest addition comes from an unexpected place.
The Oilers announced Thursday that Hockey Canada's Misha Donskov has been hired on as a coaching consultant.
"We are excited to have Misha join our coaching staff," Babcock said. "We believe his wealth of experience, people skills and professionalism will make our group better."
Babcock added he expects Donskov to have a positive impact on the staff, the players and the organization as a whole.
This move follows Babcock and DJ Smith replacing Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart on Edmonton's bench this offseason.
Knoblauch's exit came after Edmonton lost the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years, then got knocked out in the first round by the Anaheim Ducks this past spring.
That kind of finish doesn't leave much patience left, and Babcock knows it.
Why Donskov's resume fits right into Edmonton's plans
Donskov isn't leaving Hockey Canada behind entirely. He'll keep his role as vice president of hockey operations and national men's teams coach while working with the Oilers.
Hockey Canada's Scott Salmond called it a tremendous experience for Donskov, especially with the World Juniors coming to Canada in December under his direction.
The 49-year-old spent two seasons as a Dallas Stars assistant before seven years with the Vegas Golden Knights, including their 2023 Stanley Cup run.
He also consulted for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers, and coached in the OHL with London and Ottawa.
“Misha is a proven winner and a tremendous leader. We know this opportunity will positively impact both of our organizations on and off the ice.”
- Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada senior vice president
Add in gold at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, bronze at the World Juniors and silver at the Olympics, and Donskov arrives with a resume most consultants can't match.
Edmonton finished last season 41-30-11 for 93 points, good for 14th overall, a number that undersells how close this group has come the last two springs.
Adding voices like Donskov's is a low-risk swing while Babcock installs his system, but it won't answer the real question in Edmonton.
Coaching depth doesn't win a Cup by itself. What happens on the ice in October will tell everyone whether the new staff around Babcock actually moved the needle.
Source : Oilers Announce Key New Hiring To Mike Babcock's Staff
Will hiring outside consultants like Donskov actually help the Oilers get over the hump?
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