Agent Says His Players Will Not Want To Go To Edmonton If Babcock Is Head Coach

Yet another troublesome twist for the Edmonton Oilers in the Mike Babcock saga. Though this one should hardly come as a surprise. Agents for players around the league are expressing their clients' unwillingness to go to Edmonton if Babcock is indeed hired as head coach.

Response via text from an NHL player agent when I asked about Oilers coaching rumour…

“The opportunity to play with McDavid or Draisaitl is diminished with the potential to be coached by Babcock. It is a valid concern voiced to me by a few of my clients.”
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) June 15, 2026

An NHL player agent responded to Jason Gregor of Daily Faceoff with the fact that “The opportunity to play with McDavid or Draisaitl is diminished with the potential to be coached by Babcock. It is a valid concern voiced to me by a few of my clients.”

And that isn't the only time we've heard that on Monday.

Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet.ca that player agents — both of Edmonton players, and on behalf of other players around the league — are expressing their clients' queasiness at potentially playing under the controversial head coach.

"Several agents of Edmonton players who were not involved in direct conversations with Babcock [i.e. not McDavid, Draisaitl or any others within the 'leadership group'] also voiced concerns, adding they didn’t like the idea of clients being traded there, either."

The NHL has officially begun its investigation of the sordid details surrounding Babcock's short and tumultuous two-month run in Columbus in the summer of 2023. The Oilers won't be able to finalize any hiring of Babcock at least until that's done.