Edmonton Oilers appoint Mike Babcock as head coach following NHL clearance

The Edmonton Oilers have officially appointed Mike Babcock as their new head coach following his recent clearance by the NHL to return to management.

The 63-year-old takes charge of the Canadian franchise on Tuesday, marking his first active coaching role since being dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019.

His dramatic return comes just days after the league concluded an investigation into his brief and highly publicised tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.

The veteran tactician resigned from Columbus before overseeing a single game after drawing severe criticism for requesting to view personal photographs on players’ mobile phones.

Stanley Cup pedigree alongside recent controversy

Despite his recent tumultuous history, sources indicate that several senior members of the Edmonton dressing room fully supported the managerial acquisition.

The Stanley Cup winner brings a wealth of elite-level experience, having coached 700 games across his career with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto.

He famously guided Detroit to championship glory in 2008, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s premier strategists during that era.

However, his tenure in Toronto ended unceremoniously in November 2019 following a sluggish start to the campaign that yielded just nine regulation victories.

Replacing Knoblauch after post-season disappointment

Babcock arrives to fill the demanding vacancy left by Kris Knoblauch, who was dismissed in May following a frustrating first-round play-off exit.

Edmonton’s post-season ambitions were prematurely ended by the Anaheim Ducks, prompting the organisation to seek a more experienced voice behind the bench.

The new Edmonton boss will now be tasked with navigating the intense pressure of a passionate fanbase desperate for a deep run in the upcoming campaign.