Former Maple Leafs Bench Boss Mike Babcock Says He's 'Retired' Amid Oilers Head Coaching Speculation
Somehow, Mike Babcock's name has come up in another head coaching vacancy. He was seemingly quick to shut it down.
The Edmonton Oilers are in the market for a new head coach following the dismissal of Kris Knoblauch , and amid the pursuit of high-profile options like Bruce Cassidy , whispers have emerged about a name that once commanded respect across the NHL but now carries significant baggage: Former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock. On Oilers Now , host Bob Stauffer and former NHL GM Brian Lawton floated the idea, with Lawton suggesting that someone with Stan Bowman’s background might consider Babcock given his pedigree. Lawton, who knows Babcock personally, described him as a good human being who deserves a second chance in a business that can be unforgiving.
Yet, the conversation quickly pivoted to the realities of Babcock’s recent past, particularly the short-lived and tumultuous stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets . TSN’s Darren Dreger reached out directly to Babcock , Dreger shared the veteran’s response: “Dregs, I’m retired. Loving it.
” Part of me loves the symmetry and energy of idea of Babcock coaching Oilers. Babcock — something to prove McD and Drai — something to prove Bowman — something to prove Oilers — something to prove https://t. co/WsaUYdX4ak — David Staples (@dstaples) May 20, 2026 Babcock's coaching journey is one of remarkable highs followed by a steep fall from grace.
He began his NHL head coaching career with the Anaheim Ducks, leading them to the 2003 Stanley Cup Final. His true breakthrough came in Detroit, where he guided the Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup and established himself as one of the league's elite tacticians. His international success with Team Canada, securing Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, further cemented his status as a winner who could extract the best from star-studded rosters.
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