local
Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach following an investigation
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 5 min read
The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock on Tuesday, clearing the way for the polarizing taskmaster to coach his first NHL game in more than six years after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 stint in Columbus.Babcock is now in charge of trying to get Connor McDavi...
Key takeaway “He’s bringing experience and accountability," Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said at the league’s Board of Governors meeting.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
For Magnolia residents who are also hockey fans, the hiring of Mike Babcock as the Edmonton Oilers' coach may spark interesting discussions about leadership and team dynamics. While Babcock's championship experience is undeniable, his coaching style has raised concerns among some players and fans. As the Oilers aim to bring a Stanley Cup championship to their city, locals may wonder how Babcock's approach will impact the team's performance and reputation. The fact that the NHL cleared him after an investigation may not entirely alleviate concerns about his methods, particularly given the criticism from former players. As the Oilers' season progresses, Magnolia hockey enthusiasts will likely be watching to see how Babcock's leadership affects the team's success and how his coaching style is received by players and fans alike. The Oilers' pursuit of a championship will undoubtedly be a topic of interest in local sports circles.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock on Tuesday, clearing the way for the polarizing taskmaster to coach his first NHL game in more than six years after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 stint in Columbus.Babcock is now in charge of trying to get Connor McDavi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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