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Stauffer: Oilers hiring Mike Babcock as coach ‘inevitable’

baggedmilk — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 01:00:18 GMT

If you were holding out hope that the Oilers would find a way to get Bruce Cassidy locked in as the team’s next coach, that dream came crashing down to earth after reports started coming out that Edmonton was in talks with Mike Babcock. And during Monday’s episode of Oilers Now, Bob Stauffer reported, “Assuming there are no complications carrying forward with the NHL, Mike Babcock will be the next coach of the Edmonton Oilers. It’s inevitable.” This should go over well, huh?

Stauffer didn’t pull punches to start his show on Monday:

“What happens sometime is we sit, and we go, ‘Well, let’s just wait and see what transpires over the next little while.’ But we’re not going to do that today. I’m not going to BS you. I’m going to tell you exactly the way it is, okay? 100% Mike Babcock is the Edmonton Oilers’ guy. There were several different parties involved with this. At various times, Mike Babcock has not only spoken to Edmonton Oilers’ owner, Daryl Katz, but he has met with the Oilers’ key players. He has met with Harrison Katz. He’s obviously met with Oilers’ President, Jeff Jackson, and Oilers’ General Manager, Stan Bowman.”

So… we got our guy, I guess? Mike Babcock? Really? As you can imagine, having this story or even idea floating around the Oilersphere landed about as well with the fanbase as a diarrhea dance floor, mostly we’ve spent the last few weeks wondering where this coaching search would end up and whether Vegas would let us talk to Bruce Cassidy. Yet, just when you thought the story was weird enough, the team arrives at one of the most polarizing options available.

“The Edmonton Oilers are in a win-now mode, and they don’t just want to win for one more year. They want to win in perpetuity here over the next several years. And they need to have a coach who has shown the ability to win, and the ability to put structure and process in a team’s game, and the ability to have the top players deal with the fact that the best want to be led. Conor McDavid, Leon Dreisaitel, they want to win.”

I mean, we knew the team was looking for a guy with experience, but really? Mike Babcock?

And listen, I’m not here pretending for one second that Mike Babcock doesn’t have a Cup win on his resume. He absolutely does, and no one can take that away from him. He won a Stanley Cup with a stacked Red Wings team nearly 20 years ago, won Olympic Gold, and has enough experience on his HockeyDB page where nobody is going to argue he’s some random name pulled out of a hat. The problem is how things have been going since 2008 when he won that Cup.

Babcock hasn’t coached in the NHL since being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2019. That was when we heard about him making Marner put together a list of his hardest working teammates, only to reveal the list to the group later on. He then had a chance to return with the Columbus Blue Jackets, only to resign before the season even started because he was looking through players’ phones. If that total bag of weirdness from him wasn’t enough, there’s also the fact that he hasn’t won a playoff series since 2013. He hasn’t done squat apart from shoot himself in the foot in well over a decade. So, can understand why the reaction from Oilers fans has been landing somewhere between confusion, frustration, and full-on rage.

I mean, we have two years left on Connor McDavid’s contract and this is the best idea they’ve got?

We all know that the Oilers wanted Bruce Cassidy, and that made plenty of sense. Cassidy had recent success in Boston and Vegas, a Stanley Cup ring from after Bitcoin was invented, and the kind credibility that was an easy sell in a market that is desperate for their team to finally finish the job. The issue, of course, is that Vegas isn’t letting Bruce come out to play, which leaves the Oilers in a spot to find a Plan B. But never in my life did I think they would be so trigger happy to get something done than to dust off Mike Babcock. They didn’t want to even wait until the Cup Final was over?

For a team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still driving the bus, every major decision has to be about maximizing the window that is open right now. That’s why this hire feels so jarring. It’s not just that Babcock comes with plenty of baggage from his last two stops. It’s that the Oilers would be bringing in a coach who has not been behind an NHL bench in seven years, whose last attempted return ended before it began, and whose recent playoff success has been non-existent. Yes, we have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but this ain’t the 2008 Red Wings that was littered with Hall of Famers.

All I know for sure is that this bet on Babcock is one of the biggest ones that I can remember in the most important offseason that I can remember. And it’s an even bigger gamble in a market that will be questioning this move incessantly before he’s even held a press conference. Even with the apparent co-signing from the Oilers’ leadership group, this team doesn’t need another sideshow. They don’t need the coach’s sketchy past to be the story. They need the cleanest possible path to winning more hockey teams, a coach who can tighten the details without being a distraction, and a plan that does more than keep this team competitive for one more year.

Clearly the organization believes Babcock is the guy to get this team to the next level. But if the Mike Babcock era really is “inevitable,” then the Oilers just made a decision that is going to test the fanbase before the ink is even dry, and turn them into a league-wide punchline for all 31 other fanbases in the court of public opinion. I’m not sure that’s the route many of us would have taken at this stage of the McDavid era. But, as Stauffer so beautifully put it, “He’s their choice. You can think whatever you want.” I guess all they care about is that we keep paying the ever rising cost of tickets. Buckle up.

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NHL Notebook: Dylan Larkin narrows down preferred trade spots

Lane Golden — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:48 GMT

Dylan Larkin has narrowed down his preferred trade destination to three teams.

This, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, who said that Larkin submitted his list of preferred destinations to the Detroit Red Wings, which featured three teams: the Florida Panthers, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Minnesota Wild.

The Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive seasons from 2023-25, winning in 2024 and 2025. The Golden Knights are currently battling the Carolina Hurricanes for the Cup, and it’s the third time they’ve reached the final in their nine-year history. As for the Minnesota Wild, they haven’t been a championship team yet, but they are managed by Bill Guerin. He selected the gold medal-winning USA hockey team for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, which featured Larkin, and made a big swing to acquire Quinn Hughes this past season.

St. James, who has covered the Red Wings for more than a decade, also mentioned three other teams that could be added to Larkin’s list if the Red Wings can’t facilitate a deal to his top three destinations. That list includes the Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The news came out less than a week after several NHL insiders reported that Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit and that his relationship with Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman was strained.

Larkin, 29, scored 34 goals and added 33 assists for 67 points with the Red Wings in 2025-26. The team missed the playoffs for the 10th straight season.

Larkin is under contract for five more seasons, averaging $8.7 million per season. He has served as the franchise’s captain since 2020-21, and his full no-trade clause ends in 2027-28, when it changes to a 10-team no-trade clause.

Canadiens to explore trade market for Gallagher before buyout

The Montreal Canadiens are coming off their most successful season since their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. They beat the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres in a pair of thrilling seven-game series before losing to the Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. It was a big step forward for the franchise, and one they largely took without veteran forward Brendan Gallagher.

The 34-year-old has spent 14 seasons with the team, suiting up for 911 regular-season games since they drafted him back in 2010. The Habs scratched him for most of this season’s playoff run, however.

On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period joined co-hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton to break down the outlook for Brendan Gallagher and if the Canadiens may explore the trade market, before looking at a contract buyout.

Carter Hutton: We heard Brendan Gallagher talk the other day and get emotional about being done with the Habs. What’s his tank like? Is it a buyout retention? What happens, or a cap dump during the summer?

David Pagnotta: I think they’re going to explore moving him first, and if that’s an avenue that they can pursue and go in that direction, I think they’d rather do that than go the buyout route.

It’s an option, but I don’t think they want to execute it. I think they’d rather go the trade avenue and go from there. We know we mentioned Vancouver, and that would be a good spot for him. We’ll see if the Canucks reciprocate in terms of interest. We know what they’re doing, we know they’re going through a rebuild, and Jake DeBrusk is, as far as I know, still wanting to go to a contender and doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild.

This is me just trying to see if there is a way for that to work out between the two. The Canadiens obviously would have to add more to that mix, and he’s a big physical guy that I think the Canadiens would certainly have interest in. Does that move the needle at all for Vancouver, though? To move a guy out, money-wise, long-term, you’re going to save dollars because Gallagher is entering the final year of his deal, but he’s got six and a half million next season, so the Habs eat some of that? All this to say, again, that I think the Canadiens are going to explore trading him first, and if they can find a suitor, they’ll go in that direction.

If they can’t, they’ll have to weigh buyout options, but the Habs are going to have a bit of a busy off-season. I believe they’re obviously going to revisit what they discussed ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline…So, we’ll see about them getting on that now that they’re done, and whether they get a No. 2 center? I think, in a perfect world, they’d like to bring in a center, and then another physical, big body winger that can keep up with some of their top six guys.

Pavelski emerges as Leafs head coaching candidate

A former star forward is in the mix for a job behind an NHL bench.

On Sunday’s episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs have Joe Pavelski on their radar in their head coaching search. According to Friedman, the Leafs see Pavelski in the same vein as Martin St. Louis, who had minimal coaching experience, but years of on-ice experience before taking over behind the bench with the Canadiens.

That move has paid dividends for the Habs, who have reached the playoffs back-to-back seasons under St. Louis, with two playoff series victories to show for it. Pavelski has been coaching his son, Nate, at the youth level in Madison, Wis.

He hasn’t been out of the NHL long, retiring after the 2023-24 season, during which he helped the Dallas Stars reach the Western Conference Final. The 41-year-old spent 13 seasons as a member of the San Jose Sharks before signing with the Stars in 2019.

In 1,332 regular-season games, Pavelski scored 476 goals and 592 assists for 1,068 points. In 201 playoff games, he has added 143 points, reaching the Stanley Cup Final with the Sharks in 2017 and with the Stars in the 2020 bubble playoff.

The Leafs have been on the search for a new head coach since May 13, when new general manager John Chayka announced the firing of Craig Berube after two seasons with the team. The Leafs had a rough 2025-26 campaign, missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

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‘Get McDavid outta there’: Oilers fans react to potential Mike Babcock hire

Woz — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:00:35 GMT

Canucks fans are rejoicing, Flames fans can’t believe it’s happening, and Oilers fans are ready to declare a state of emergency over the Edmonton Oilers’ consideration of Mike Babcock as its next head coach.

Babcock was first mentioned as an option for the job in late May and now, a few weeks later, news began to spill. NHL insiders like Darren Dreger and Elliotte Friedman posted the information online, and NHL media and fans reacted instantly on social media to the relationship beginning to form between Babcock and the Oilers.

Sorry, but winning the Cup in 2008 isn’t enough of a reason to hire Babcock. Even if you overlook his actions towards some of his players, his record of no playoff series win since 2013 further illustrates why it would be a horrible decision for the Oilers. – Jason Gregor via X

Put other issues aside for moment… Mike Babcock hasn't made the finals in 17 years and hasn't been in the 2nd round of the playoffs in 13 years.

My daughter wasn't alive the last time he had a team in the 2nd round.

— Shawn Mullin 🇨🇦 (@shawnmullin) June 8, 2026

Babcock would be a good way of making sure 29 and 97 aren't running the show, which may have been a problem in the past.
He's also a decade removed from coaching and seems evil.
I guess we'll see.

— AllHustleNoHands (@stevezieskidoo) June 8, 2026

This organization just cannot get out of its own way. – Kevin McCurdy via X

Get McDavid outta there man, Bowman is off his rocker. – HFTV via X

If this team is even *thinking* of hiring Babcock, it shows a fundamentally massive flaw within this organization’s thought process that’s not going to be fixed anytime soon. – NHL_Sid via X

The dying star of mcdavid’s prime years comes down to stan bowman and mike babcock, incredible stuff. – @domluszczyszyn via X

With essentially a one-year McDavid window, the Oilers hiring a guy who hasn’t coached an NHL game in 7 years and got fired from his last job before even stepping behind the bench would legitimately be one of the most insane management decisions of all time. – Pete Blackburn via X

Please request a trade Connor please you dont deserve this – Shae_Nuge93 via X

There aren’t many positive thoughts about this move. As much as I’d love to dig for them, the consensus is that this isn’t the right hire for the Oilers, especially given what is at stake over the next two years, with Connor McDavid’s extension kicking in at the start of the 2026-27 season.

This is like that Simpsons episode where Homer got his legs stuck in the tar pit and was going to use his hands to free his legs and then his face to free his hands. – Scchrist via Instagram

The recycling of head coaches who have had major issues in their tenure as a coach needs to stop. Plenty of other choices. – Nolan.Fryer via Instagram

If they hire Babcock, then this is not a serious franchise. – R0gerL0pez via Instagram

He doesn’t seem like that great of a person, but boy can he coach. He’s exactly what this team needs imo. A tough hard nosed, no BS coach who WILL hold you accountable no matter where you sit on the depth chart. So I’m all for this. If coach Q can get reinstated (turned ducks into a contender on day 1), why not Babs? – Todd Rieth via Facebook

And Bowman is just going to rip up mcdavids contract so he can go to free agency in 3 weeks then to get it over with? – Shane C Fraser via Facebook

Is he the one year wonder they’re looking for before getting Cassidy? Hyman played for him. He must have been consulted by Bowman, along with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Ekholm before going down this road. Bowman couldn’t be dumb enough to not check with those guys on the team at the very least. – Mike Levicki via Facebook

Over on Facebook, a few fans are open to the idea, but the broader hockey world views it as a decision that will set the Edmonton Oilers back.

Mike Babcock, who’s won before and brings gravitas to the bench, could be the man, considering Vegas is still holding back the Oilers’ main target in Bruce Cassidy. But until the Oilers officially hire their 19th head coach in franchise history, this is another chapter in the ongoing saga.

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‘It’s real’: Babcock has reportedly spoken with Oilers owner Daryl Katz, leadership group

Zach Laing — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:00:43 GMT

The smoke about Mike Babcock becoming the next Edmonton Oilers head coach is “real,” according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Conversations have occurred between Babcock and members of the Oilers leadership group of players, who are on board with the idea of hiring the long-time head coach, Friedman reported. A conversation has also reportedly occured with Oilers owner Daryl Katz, he added.

“It’s real. They are considering it,” said Friedman. “Not sure if it’s happened yet … but, according to several sources, Babcock has spoken directly with owner Daryl Katz.

“According to those same sources, Babcock has met with or spoke to several members of the team’s leadership group. Whatever happened in those meeting(s) was enough to get the players on-board with the idea.

It fits with what he’s been whispered about the Oilers since their first-round elimination to Anaheim: that even their core agrees they need a firmer hand on the rudder.”

TSN’s Darren Dreger reported earlier Monday that the Oilers are consulting with the NHL Players’ Association to see “if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock.” Babcock, 63, was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2023, but was fired before ever coaching a game after looking through photos on players’ phones.

Another report surfaced Monday from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, stating that former Los Angeles Kings head coach D.J. Smith — who was an assistant under Babcock with the Toronto Maple Leafs — as somebody who could potentially join Babcock’s bench in Edmonton.

Babcock was first linked to the Oilers in late May by Oilers NOW host Bob Stauffer, which was met with disdain from the Edmonton market due to a tainted past with former players alleging tyrannical control under his guise.

Time will tell what will come of Babcock and the Oilers, but this doesn’t appear to be a nothing story, Friedman said.

“The hire has also not been formalized with the NHL, which would also have to sign off. And, at this point, that has not occurred,” he said. “So we are in a bit of a holding pattern. The interest is real, but hurdles remain.”

Babcock has coached the 12th-most games in NHL history and has the 12th-most wins, behind the bench for 1,301 games and 700 wins with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, the Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s the only coach who is a member of the Triple Gold club, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Red Wings, Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014, as well as a World Championship gold medal in 2004. He also won gold with Team Canada’s World Junior team in 1997.

While the Red Wings returned to the Stanley Cup final in 2009, a year after they won, Babcock never returned a team that deep in the playoffs, failing to make it out of the second round since that year.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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Friedman: Oilers were interested in Laviolette before being hired by Kings

Zach Laing — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:00:47 GMT

The Los Angeles Kings got their guy, naming Peter Laviolette the 32nd head coach in franchise history.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report Laviolette’s hiring, and when he did, he mentioned the Edmonton Oilers were among the other teams interested in hiring the veteran bench boss.

Peter Laviolette will be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Kings

Edmonton and Toronto were also interested

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 8, 2026

There’s a short list of head coaches with more games coached than Laviolette’s, whose 1,594 games rank ninth on the all-time list. He had fit the mould of a veteran coach with a winning track record, winning the Stanley Cup with the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes, but hasn’t reached the pinnacle since. He got close, however, taking the 2010 Philadelphia Flyers and the 2017 Nashville Predators to the Stanley Cup final.

Laviolette had reportedly interviewed with the Oilers for their vacant head coaching position, and had been considered a front runner, alongside Jay Woodcroft, earlier Monday morning.

What’s next for the Oilers?

Edmonton’s coaching search has slogged on for nearly four weeks since the team officially fired Kris Knoblauch on May 14, and for as long as it’s been, things have been relatively quiet. The team received permission to interview former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, which they’ve reportedly done since, but he and Laviolette appear to be the only two coaches the team has spoken with.

The Oilers clearly have a desire to speak with former Vegas Golden Knights Bruce Cassidy, but have yet to grant permission, saying time and time again their focus is on the Stanley Cup playoffs. There’s been no indication as to whether or not the Golden Knights will even grant the Oilers permission.

The list of other coaching candidates with Cup-winning experience and “gravitas,” as the Oilers have reportedly been searching for. There’s a list of 18 head coaches who have won a Cup since the turn of the century: Joel Quenneville (three), Paul Maurice (two), Jon Cooper (two), Mike Sullivan (two), Darryl Sutter (two), Bruce Cassidy, Jared Bednar, Craig Berube, Barry Trotz, Claude Julien, Dan Bylsma, Mike Babcock, Randy Carlyle, Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, Pat Burns, Bob Hartley, and Larry Robinson.

Of them, Robinson, Hartley, Laviolette, Carlyle, Babcock, Bylsma, Sutter, Trotz, and Julien are the only coaches who aren’t currently under contract with a team.

Mike Babcock’s name emerged in late May as a potential candidate, and on Monday, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the Oilers were consulting with the NHL Players’ Association to see if “there are any objections that must be resolved” before potentially hiring Babcock. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, meanwhile, followed up the report suggesting that former Los Angeles Kings head coach D.J. Smith could be an option to join Babcock on Edmonton’s bench as an assistant.

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Report: Oilers checking with NHLPA on potential Mike Babcock hire

Michael Menzies — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:45:32 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers are apparently interested in Mike Babcock.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Oilers are contemplating bringing the controversial former two-time Olympic gold medal-winning coach on board, but are first checking with the NHL Players’ Association to see if any “objections that must be resolved” before a potential hire.

Sources: The Edmtn Oilers are consulting with the NHLPA to see if there are objections that must be resolved before potentially hiring Mike Babcock. Amid allegations of invading players privacy, Babcock resigned in CBJ as Head Coach in 2023. Further investigation may be required.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 8, 2026

This is the first tangible report that the Oilers are indeed interested in looking at the controversial head coach, after suggestions by Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer in late May. When speculation popped up, Babcock said he was “retired.”

Reports have said that the Oilers’ top candidate is Bruce Cassidy, but without clarity on whether he’ll even be allowed permission to interview for the job, Edmonton may have to pivot.

The Los Angeles Kings took one of the top candidates off the job market early Monday afternoon by hiring Peter Laviolette.

Babcock’s history

Babcock has not coached in the NHL since the 2019-20 season, when he was let go by the Toronto Maple Leafs mid-season for Sheldon Keefe.

The Columbus Blue Jackets hired “Babs” in 2023, but before he could even coach a game with the team, he was fired after asking players to look through their phones. Since then, Babcock has not been tied to any head coaching vacancies in the league.

Babcock lifted the Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in the 2007-08 season and made another appearance in the Final the following season. In 2010 and 2014, Babcock was coach for Team Canada and helped deliver a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Fellow TSN insider Pierre LeBrun quickly replied on Twitter:

“If Mike Babcock does end up as coach in Edmonton, wouldn’t surprise me if DJ Smith joined up with him again. But we’ll see where all this goes.”

He’s coached a total of 1,301 NHL games with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, with an all-time record of 700-418-19-164, which is a .604 points percentage.

However, several former players of Babcock’s have ridiculed his handling of players. Late last week in the OHL, the Brantford Bulldogs, which are partially owned by Oilers forward Zach Hyman, hired Babcock’s son as head coach.

Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4.

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Pagnotta: Kings close to naming head coach, ‘keep eyes on’ Woodcroft, Laviolette

Zach Laing — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:00:18 GMT

The Los Angeles Kings are close to naming their next head coach, and former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is among the leading candidates.

The Fourth Period’s Jay Woodcroft reported Monday morning that Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette are two names to “keep eyes on.”

The LA Kings are close to naming their next head coach, and it will be a new one. Per sources, DJ Smith is no longer in the running. Keep eyes on Jay Woodcroft and Peter Laviolette.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 8, 2026

Woodcroft spent nine years in the Oilers organization from 2015-16 until November 2024, first as an assistant coach with the NHL team under then-head coach Todd McLellan. When the latter was let go ahead of the 2018-19 season, Woodcroft was named the head coach of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, Bakersfield Condors.

The franchise saw success during his tenure there, going 105-71-15 in 197 games for a .590 points percentage, making the playoffs in two of his three full seasons, including winning the AHL’s Pacific Division in 2020-21. He took over behind the Oilers bench in February 2022 for Dave Tippett, spending parts of three seasons with the team, coaching them to a 79-41-13 record. They made the playoffs in each of his first two years behind the bench, getting swept in the 2022 Western Conference final by the Colorado Avalanche, and losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in 2023’s second round.

Woodcroft was fired after a 3-9-1 start to the 2023-24 season, and he remained out of the league until joining the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant coach.

Laviolette, meanwhile, is ninth all-time in head coaching wins, most recently spending the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons with the New York Rangers. He’s spent 23 years behind NHL benches with the Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and the Rangers. Laviolette has reportedly interviewed with the Oilers for their vacant head coach spot.

Kings general manager Ken Holland would know Woodcroft well, promoting him to head coach of the Oilers, so he could make sense. The Kings were reportedly after Bruce Cassidy at some point, but like the Oilers, have been barred from interviewing him.

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Connor McDavid’s five best games that led to a fifth Ted Lindsay Award

Sean Panganiban — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:00:20 GMT

I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll likely say it many times again, but we’re truly lucky to be in an era where we can watch Connor McDavid, the best player on the planet, do what he does night after night.

The Edmonton Oilers’ forward was recently named the 2025-26 winner of the Ted Lindsay Award, presented annually to the NHL’s most outstanding player as voted by his peers, earning the honour for a fifth time and tying Wayne Gretzky for the most in league history.

McDavid had an incredible campaign, recording 138 points, the second most in his NHL career, and in honour of him winning the Ted Lindsay Award for a fifth time, here are his five best games of the 2025-26 season where he was truly outstanding.

McDavid records four-point night, including hat trick, to tie Messier for fourth-most in franchise history

McDavid headed into the game against the Seattle Kraken on Dec. 4 facing criticism about his shot volume up to that point in the season, having only registered one shot on goal in his previous three games.

But he flipped the script in the afternoon game against the Kraken. The Oilers’ captain shot seven pucks on net, scoring on three of them, in a 9-4 shellacking of the Kraken, marking their highest goal total in a game in 2025-26.

Connor McDavid 13th career hat trick ties Mark Messier for 4th in Oilers history pic.twitter.com/jT2yOYc2aX

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 5, 2025

The superstar centreman, who also added an assist for a four-point night, said after the game, “As I said before, I thought I passed a couple away the other night and ultimately cost us losing a 1-0 game.” He added, “Who knows if I score on one of those? So definitely thought about shooting a little more.”

And shoot, he did, with McDavid’s hat trick in the game being the 13th of his career, which tied Oilers legend Mark Messier for fourth-most in franchise history.

McDavid scores hat trick in 6-2 win over Predators

Over the last several seasons, it’s been Leon Draisaitl owning the Nashville Predators, putting a ton of goals past their netminders, but on Jan. 6, the spotlight belonged to McDavid.

The captain opened the scoring on yet another spectacular goal, entering the zone with speed on the power play that left all five Nashville players, including the netminder, standing still with their jaws dropped as McDavid tucked the puck into the net.

McDavid Magic! gives the Oilers a 1-0 lead.

📹: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/x7bKO21SuA

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) January 7, 2026

And Baggedmilk summarized the stunning goal at the time as “No. 97 made half of the Predators’ penalty kill look like they’d never played the game before, including a confused Juuse Saros who had no idea what was happening.”

That said, the Oilers’ superstar scored his third goal with less than a minute to go in the game as the hats rained down at Rogers Place, recording his 14th career hat trick and passing Messier to take sole possession of fourth-most all-time in Oilers history.

Additionally, at the time, McDavid extended his point streak to 16 games, tying Denis Savard for the fourth-most 16-game (or longer) point streaks in NHL history.

McDavid records five assists in a 5-1 win over the Calgary Flames

The Oilers’ captain was riding a 10-game point streak with 26 points in that span, and he cranked up the heat even more against the Calgary Flames on Dec. 23 at Rogers Place.

Draisaitl had been in a goal-scoring slump, and his partner in crime helped him get off the schnide, factoring in on Draisaitl’s first goal in nine games early in the first period. That tally set the tone for the rest of the night, as McDavid put on his playmaking cap against the Flames.

McDavid recorded an incredible five assists in the 5-1 win over the Flames, and Draisaitl praised his friend after the game, saying, “The puck is following him right now. He’s just too good right now. That’s not fun to play against.”

This is why you don't forget about Drai.

📹: Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/NwO4Uta2nU

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) December 24, 2025

The Oilers sent their faithful home on a high note just before Christmas, and at the time, it was also the first of three five-point nights for McDavid in 2025-26. Through 38 games, the centreman had 67 points, the most by an NHL player at that point in a season since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96.

McDavid records five points and scores OT winner in 6-5 win over Capitals

It was a back-and-forth battle when the Washington Capitals visited Rogers Place on Jan. 24. The two sides traded goals all night, but Washington held a 5-4 lead with under a minute left. But McDavid rose to the occasion, playing a key role in both the tying and game-winning goals.

With under a minute left, the Oilers’ net was empty when McDavid sauced the puck to the front of Washington’s net, where Zach Hyman buried it to tie the game late.

ZACH HYMAN TIES IT WITH 30 SECONDS LEFT! 🤯

pic.twitter.com/aEx1XjJZsc

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) January 25, 2026

Then, in overtime, the recent Ted Lindsay Trophy winner emerged as the hero once again, going in all alone and beating netminder Charlie Lindgren with a nifty backhand tuck for the 6-5 OT win. Overall, the 29-year-old tallied two goals and three assists on the night, while reclaiming the NHL scoring lead at the time with 90 points (32 goals, 58 assists).

THE CAPTAIN WINS IT 🗣️

Connor McDavid's Subway Canada OT Winner gives the Oilers the win over the Capitals! pic.twitter.com/0GQzQFb97N

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 25, 2026

That said, it’s worth noting that while McDavid put on a magical performance, his teammate Evan Bouchard put on a historic one that night, putting up six points, including his first-ever hat trick and the first by an Oilers’ defenceman since Marc-André Bergeron in 2006.

McDavid records another five-point night, including a hat trick, in a 5-2 win over the Sharks

Edmonton was on a two-game losing skid before taking on the San Jose Sharks on April 8, and in that game, McDavid’s Team Canada linemate at the Olympics, Macklin Celebrini, opened the scoring.

But the master was not going to be outshone, and the Oilers’ captain was dialled in right after, responding almost two minutes later to score his 45th of the season.

Connor McDavid with his 45th goal this season ties it up at 1! ☝️

🎥 – @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/hKUiGa7oci

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) April 9, 2026

And, without Draisaitl down the playoff stretch, McDavid put on likely one of his best games of the season. He was flying throughout the game, scored two more goals, including one where he added another play to his highlight-reel package by blowing past two defenders, and turned Sharks’ netminder Alex Nedeljkovic into a meme when the cameras panned to him fishing the puck out of the net in a ‘what can ya do?’ manner.

Connor McDavid = Good at playing the sport of hockey 👍 🏒 4-2 Oilers!

🎥 – @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/Mavxy9C50X

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) April 9, 2026

McDavid finished the night with three goals and added two helpers, including a 60-foot pass right onto the tape of Jack Roslovic for a goal. It was one of those nights where the best player in the world had the puck on a string, as Bouchard said of his captain after the game:

“Get him the puck. When you see him playing the way he was tonight and most of the season, you want to get it to him. He makes things happen that not many others can.”

With his performance against the Sharks, McDavid recorded hat trick No. 15 in his career and his 14th five-point game.

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Monday Mailbag: How much can a new coach help to turn the Oilers around?

baggedmilk — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:00:47 GMT

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As per tradition, I’ve got a brand new mailbag set to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their takes. This week, we’re discussing Darnell Nurse trade rumours, the Oilers’ coaching search, free agent targets, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at baggedmilk@oilersnation.com or on Twitter at @jsbmbaggedmilk, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

Jun 13, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Florida Panthers in game five of the 2023 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

1) Ed M. asks – Can a new coach turn a 93-point, first-round exit team into a cup contender?

Jason Gregor:

The Oilers’ talent makes them a Cup contender in my eyes due to their big three. The new coach will benefit from players being more attentive and wanting to impress him, similar to the previous coaches in Edmonton.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No, but it can help. Simply swapping out coaches isn’t going to magically turn the Oilers into a 110+ point team that can win a Stanley Cup, but the bones of a Cup contender are already in place. They just need to make some necessary tweaks. A coach who implements a system that works better with this current group is one of them. Offseason roster changes are another part of the equation. It’s not just one thing.

Michael Menzies:

It can when that 93-point team had been one and two wins the two years before that, but that’s no guarantee. Ultimately, it’s about 16 playoff wins, built by laying a foundation through the first 82.

Zach Laing:

If a fired Kris Knoblauch can get the team to the Stanley Cup final in back-to-back years, then I’m sure any of the top candidates can get them to one. As Gregor said, Edmonton is a talented enough team to make them a contender.

Baggedmilk:

I think it can help in certain areas for sure. Structure. Accountability. Fresh starts for some guys who may need it. That said, we’re also Oilers fans. We’ve seen many, many coaches roll through here, and they haven’t always made a difference.

Apr 8, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) looks up at the scoreboard during a break in the action against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

2) Tashmid asks – With reports suggesting that the Oilers are exploring the possibility of trading Darnell Nurse, would the expectation be that Jake Walman steps into the role of the second-pairing left defenseman? If so, how concerned should fans be about Walman’s health given that injuries limited him for stretches last season? If Nurse were moved and Walman were to miss significant time, it feels like the Oilers could become quite thin on the left side of the defence, especially since there do not appear to be many established left-shot options ready to fill that role.

Jason Gregor:

Nurse has only had one real injury, 2017, but in the nine years since Nurse has missed a total of 18 games, and 11 of them came in 2022. In the last four years, Walman has missed 19, 19, 17 and 29 games last season. Availability is the best ability and 100% it is a concern if they move Nurse and move Walman up. Not to mention Ekholm will be 36 and I’m not sure how much longer he is a top pair Dman?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Yes. They are going to be paying Jake Walman $7m next season, so those are minutes that he should be able to handle. I’m not overly concerned with Walman’s health, but it is notable that he’s never played a full 82-game season. Still, it’s not like he’s dealt with any sort of chronic issues. If they do move off of Nurse, they would have to bring in some more depth on the left side, though. They can’t just throw away a guy who played 20+ minutes last year and not do something to add another piece to this blue line.

Michael Menzies:

Moving Nurse requires another a defenceman to come back, either in that trade, or a separate one. Walman is not an 82-game guy, but I do like what he can provide when he’s healthy. But his money sort of requires additional minutes or responsibility. Otherwise it’s a Bowman Blunder.

Zach Laing:

Walman would see an increase in minutes for sure, but the team would need to add some insulation to the blue line. Spencer Stastney is part of that, and showed he can succeed in a sheltered role, but it’s yet to be seen if he can take on a bigger role.

Baggedmilk:

I think everybody will have to take on some extra minutes. Nurse playing around ~20 per night isn’t something you can just magically fill, so everyone in the starting six will have to do more or adjust.

Mar 10, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (left) congratulates defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) after Nurse scored a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. The Oilers won 4-0.

3) Yves asks – Given the personal friendship between McDavid and Nurse, don’t we think moving one of the captain’s buddies doesn’t exactly bode well for keeping him around beyond this coming year? I know the McDavid extension is two years, but for asset management purposes, I’d argue the team really only has one year.

Jason Gregor:

It would be difficult for McDavid on a personal level, but he wouldn’t be the first player to lose a good friend in a trade. He wants to win, and if a trade makes them better, I’d assume he’d be okay with it. I still think the Oilers have two years (at least) with McDavid, unless this season goes sideways, then that changes things.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No. Connor McDavid should be able to see the logic behind trading one of the most overpaid players on the roster. If he can’t see that and is upset because the team traded one of his friends, then his priorities aren’t in the right order. I don’t think that’s the case, so I don’t think this will be an issue.

Michael Menzies:

Since it’s grad season, don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened… In all seriousness, though, the Oilers have cycled through three-quarters of a roster in two seasons. If you hear Leon Draisaitl’s exit interview, does he miss those players he specifically listed, or does he miss that they felt like an actual team, instead of a collection of players. The Nurse move is business, I think they’ll understand, but the Oilers are missing a ton of collective tissue through the years. Just an idea that was put to me that I’ve been thinking about.

Zach Laing:

McDavid is a smart man who understands the business side of the game well. I’m sure he would be able to set the personal element aside in favour of the business side.

Baggedmilk:

Of course it would factor into his decision, and I think pretending that it won’t is a little too “athletes are robots” to me. That said, the Oilers need to make the choice that is best for the organization, and that’s all that matters. Unfortunately, there could absolutely be consequences. That’s life. But this is also pro sports, and professional sports are a cruel mistress.

Nov 29, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Patrik Laine skates during warmups before a game against the Montreal Canadiens at Nationwide Arena.

4) Curtis M. asks – The Oilers seem to love grabbing guys who used to be good and try to reclaim them to their former glory and play them in the top 6. That being said, is Patrik Laine a name the Oilers should be all over this free agency deadline?

Jason Gregor:

I don’t think so. His foot speed at 5×5 was glaringly weak. I wouldn’t be that interested, because the Oilers are already great on the power play, so they don’t need a PP specialist. The only reason I might be interested is that he likely signs a low AAV deal with performance bonuses. But I wouldn’t make them easily attainable, like 10, 20, 30 GP.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

A free agent with 20-goal potential who could sign a contract that’s under $2m sounds like the type of player that the Oilers should be salivating over, but there are concerns with Laine. First off, he does a lot of his scoring on the power play, which is not an area where the Oilers need help. He isn’t consistent at 5v5, and he’s struggled to stay healthy over the last handful of years. He’s a fascinating gamble, but I don’t think the Oilers should be too interested.

Michael Menzies:

You wanna talk distressed assets? I wouldn’t wait to step on Seattle’s toes in signing Laine, that seems like the type of “big swing” that jabroni team will look at.

I know no one wants to hear about your fantasy team, but in a full dynasty league six years ago I traded Pierre Luc Dubois and Noah Dobson for Laine, in a league where defenceman goals are worth two. That’s how convinced of Laine’s success to just casually score 30 goals a season I was. So I feel personally jilted. I am dogged about Laine every Trade Deadline in our league. I am forever tied personally to Laine in the minds of a dozen or so people. He has hurt my feelings and I am DONE with him.

He’s gonna score 45 points on a bad team next year, just you watch…(don’t do it to yourself Michael).

Zach Laing:

Laine is the type of guy the Oilers should be after. He can receive a bonus-laden contract, which would help keep his cap hit low, and is an gifted shooter, even if the numbers haven’t been in his favour the last few years.

Baggedmilk:

I would absolutely do it if they can Roslovic him on a short-term deal. I don’t think that’ll happen, but that’s what I’d been keen on.

Mar 26, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Jack Roslovic (28) misses the open net behind Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

5) Davis asks – Is there anything the Oilers can learn from the two current Stanley Cup finalists, or should they remain focused on whatever their own plan looks like?

Jason Gregor:

All teams are built different, and most play slightly different styles. The Oilers can’t mimic what Carolina does, just like Carolina couldn’t mimic what Edmonton did to get to consecutive Finals. I think the Oilers need to focus on their strengths, but be aware of their weaknesses and focus on improving in areas they aren’t consistent (defensive commitment and puck management).

Tyler Yaremchuk:

The lesson to learn from the Golden Knights is to not mess around with the mushy middle in free agency, and don’t hug your prospects. If there are elite players on the market, go get them. The lesson from the Canes is that if you stay competitive long enough and avoid bad contracts, you’ll eventually get the breaks and it’ll be your year. Both strategies have downsides, especially Vegas’, but banners fly forever, so I respect it.

Michael Menzies:

Appeal to Danielle Smith to have Alberta become an income tax-free province, ala Florida, Nevada, Texas.
Draft any player outside the first-round who can become an everyday player.
Goaltending is stupid.

Zach Laing:

Don’t hesitate to make tough decisions, and don’t be shy to take swings. Vegas’ track record is robust with examples of both, but the Hurricanes found themselves in a similar spot with what happened with Mikko Rantanen.

Baggedmilk:

The Golden Knights swung big on Marner and got their guy. They didn’t sign guys they hoped could moonlight in the top six. That’s the lesson for me.

PRESENTED BY STAKE

Oilers Letters to the Editor: Trading for Dylan Larkin and supporting Nurse

Zach Laing — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 22:00:50 GMT

It’s time to dig into this week’s Letters to the Editor. Want to join in the fun? Details about how to reach out are at the bottom of the article.

Dylan Larkin, future Edmonton Oiler?

“The more you win, the more you want to win.”

Larry Ellison said this in an interview with Charlie Rose, and he could not have been more right. Coming close doesn’t count. You want to climb the mountain and get the monkey off your back.

Dylan Larkin seems to feel the same way. After winning Olympic gold, he wanted more. Detroit sat first in their division before another March collapse left them just short of the playoffs. After scoring only four even-strength goals in the second half, he demanded out. As the overly optimistic Oilers fan, there’s a chance he ends up in Edmonton.

We’ve seen what Larkin can do with talented players. He was one of the league’s best in February. Put him beside McDavid or Draisaitl, and good things will happen.

After talking with Detroit fans, the consensus is that Larkin would cost roughly three 1sts. Isaac Howard and a 2028 first cover two of them, while the 52nd pick and Beau Akey could make up the rest.

Detroit will want a talented player to replace Larkin. Could they flip those assets for Robert Thomas?

Now, does Larkin fit better with McDavid, Draisaitl, or as the 2C?

– Kaden from Edmonton

(I don’t know if that’s enough for Larkin, but him at 2C lets the Oilers load McDavid and Draisaitl.)

Sail on, Darnell (if you do)

Dear Darnell Nurse,

We both know that professional sports is a difficult and high-pressure world, but I still want to say how sorry I am that things in Edmonton have come to this pass. Over the years, I’ve watched Oilers fans (or at least some Oilers fans) turn on players, and it’s always ugly. When this happens, these fans always forget two things: 1) the great plays and performances that the player has put up in the past, and 2) that the player in question is an actual human being. So nothing new here.

I just want to say thank you for what you have done for the Oilers so far in your career, and add this: if you’re with the team this coming season, I’ll be cheering for you, and if you’re with another team, I’ll still be cheering for you.

Good luck,

Tom Fuller
Edmonton, Alberta

(I think there’s lots of people who will be rooting for Nurse, here or there.)

Oilersnation wants to hear from you, the reader, in our new weekly “Letters to the Editor” segment. Letters can be emailed to Oilersnation’s managing editor Zach Laing (zach.laing@bettercollective.com), titled “Letters to the Editor.” Please include a letter up to 200 words, including your name, place of residence (city, town, province, or state). Your letters may be edited for length and/or clarity. Letters must be submitted by 6 p.m. MT Saturday night to be considered for feature on Sunday mornings.