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Edmonton Oilers hire Mike Babcock after NHL clears veteran coach following an investigation
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 / 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 Tomball News
The hiring of Mike Babcock by the Edmonton Oilers has significant implications for hockey fans in the Houston area, particularly those who follow the sport closely. As the Oilers look to Babcock to lead Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to a Stanley Cup championship, local fans will be watching with interest to see how his coaching style plays out. With the NHL clearing him after an investigation, Babcock's past controversies will likely be under scrutiny, and his ability to adapt to a new team and players will be closely monitored. The fact that D.J. Smith, who has experience working under Babcock, has been named an associate coach may provide some insight into how the team will be managed. As the Oilers' season progresses, Houston fans will be keeping a close eye on how Babcock's leadership affects the team's performance and whether his championship experience will translate to success on the ice.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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