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Daniel Winnick warns Oilers against hiring Mike Babcock as coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 4:45 PM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Daniel Winnick warns Oilers against hiring Mike Babcock as coach

Summary

Daniel Winnick, a former Toronto Maple Leafs player, voiced strong opposition to the Edmonton Oilers possibly hiring Mike Babcock. Appearing on First Up on June 18, Winnick described Babcock as a bully and advised the Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, to avoid making the hiring decision. Babcock has not coached since his brief term with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, which ended amid controversy. The Oilers are searching for a new head coach after being eliminated in the first round of the 2026 playoffs and reportedly see Babcock as a leading candidate. The NHL completed its investigation into Babcock's conduct without finding grounds to restrict his employment.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Winnick says Babcock made him hate hockey.
•Oilers seek to replace Kris Knoblauch after playoff exit.
•Babcock is a leading candidate despite past controversies.
•NHL investigation found no basis to restrict Babcock's employment.
•Oilers face limited coaching options this offseason.

Latest Updates

4:45 PMYahoo Sports — ’He’s A Bully’ — Ex-Maple Leafs Fan Favorite Warns Connor McDavid’s Oilers Against Hiring Mike Babcock

What they're saying

"
The Edmonton Oilers are a true blue soap opera. This offseason was supposed to be about righting the wrongs of the 2026 playoffs, where injuries and roster construction played a major role in their getting booted out in the first round.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Columbus Blue Jackets Edmonton Oilers Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs Vegas Golden Knights NHL Hockey