Mike Babcock’s Oilers Hire Diverts Media Attention

The Edmonton Oilers’ appointment of Mike Babcock as head coach has become a major distraction, drawing media scrutiny and fan protests. While the controversy over Babcock’s past and the signing of Alex Formenton dominates headlines, players are able to focus on the new system. The team retains key…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:34:22 GMT

In the early days of the 2026‑27 NHL season, the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to hire former Washington Capitals coach Mike Babcock has become a headline‑grabber, eclipsing the on‑ice performance of the team’s star players. The controversy surrounding Babcock’s past conduct, coupled with fan backlash over the signing of Alex Formenton, has kept the media spotlight on the front office rather than the players, giving the Oilers a rare opportunity to focus on building a new system.

What Happened: Babcock’s Hiring and the Media Storm

On September 15, 2026, the Oilers announced Babcock as their new head coach, a move that instantly sparked debate across the league. Babcock, who had resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets after less than three months, was cleared to coach by the NHL following an investigation into his conduct in 2023. The investigation revealed that Babcock had requested personal photographs from players during his time in Columbus, a request that many viewed as an invasion of privacy.

Adding to the controversy, the Oilers signed free‑agent forward Alex Formenton, a former member of Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who had been charged and later acquitted of sexual assault. The signing drew a petition on Change.org that surpassed 70,000 signatures and led to protests outside Rogers Place during the team’s first preseason game. The Oilers defended the move, citing due diligence and Formenton’s reinstatement by both the NHL and Hockey Canada.

Why the Distraction Helps the Players

While the media and fans focused on Babcock’s past and Formenton’s controversial history, players such as veteran winger Zach Hyman noted that the distraction allowed them to concentrate on the new coaching system. “Babs is taking everything. He’s OK with it,” Hyman said as camp entered its final days. “The players can just go out and play and not worry about that stuff.”

Babcock’s system emphasizes speed, positioning, and a high‑tempo style of play. He plans to start the star duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line, likely with Vasily Podkolzin, to maximize their offensive output while giving other lines more ice time. McDavid, who averaged over 22 minutes per game last season, expressed a desire for more player involvement, stating that “it’s not so much how many minutes you’re out there, it’s what you do with the time you get.”

Roster Adjustments and Defensive Concerns

The Oilers retained most of the core that finished 41‑30‑11 last season, but the team faced significant defensive challenges. They traded Darnell Nurse to San Jose and are working with a new goaltending trio—Frederik Andersen, Tristan Jarry, and Devon Levi—after releasing Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. The team also lost key defensemen Alex Regula, Matt Savoie, and Mattias Janmark to injury or free‑agency status.

Defensively, the Oilers gave up an average of 3.23 goals per game last season, ranking 25th in the NHL. Babcock must decide how to pair veteran defenseman Evan Bouchard with younger players and how to integrate newcomers Ryan Shea and Shakir Mukhamadullin. Jake Walman, a veteran defenseman, highlighted the team’s versatility, noting that “we’ve got a good group of guys that can bring a little bit of everything right now.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Oilers?

General manager Stan Bowman emphasized the need for a strong start to the season, stating, “No question, we have to be ready to go.” The Oilers aim to improve upon a slow 11‑10‑5 finish by the end of November. With Babcock’s fast‑paced system, the team hopes to generate more offensive opportunities and tighten defensive lapses.

As the preseason progresses, the Oilers will continue to evaluate the fit of their roster, especially in the forward lines where options such as Colton Dach, Jason Dickinson, and Isaac Howard vie for spots. The team’s focus remains on building a cohesive unit that can execute Babcock’s vision while maintaining the high level of play expected from an Oilers franchise.

In the meantime, the media’s attention on Babcock’s past and Formenton’s signing may continue to dominate headlines, but the players’ ability to stay focused on the game could prove crucial as the Oilers prepare for a challenging season ahead.

Key facts

Mike Babcock’s hiring has eclipsed player performance in the media.
Alex Formenton’s signing sparked fan protests and a petition.
Players can focus on Babcock’s system due to media distraction.
Defensive lineup changes and new goaltending present challenges.
The Oilers aim for a stronger start to the season under new leadership.

Why it matters

The Oilers’ coaching change and roster decisions have significant implications for the team’s performance and fan engagement, influencing both on‑ice success and the franchise’s public image.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Mike Babcock cleared to coach after the investigation?

The NHL concluded that Babcock’s request for personal photos from players was not a violation of league policy, allowing him to be hired by the Oilers.