Edmonton Oilers Summary

The NHL Players' Association is calling for an investigation into Mike Babcock's past conduct as the Edmonton Oilers move towards hiring him as their head coach. The NHLPA's request comes after allegations surfaced from Babcock's brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he reportedly made players uncomfortable by asking to see their cellphone camera rolls.

Although Blue Jackets veterans like Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau indicated they were not pressured by Babcock, younger players found his methods invasive, raising concerns about team dynamics if he were to be hired in Edmonton, as reported by Deadspin.

Amid these developments, the Oilers are contemplating roster adjustments, particularly concerning defenseman Darnell Nurse, as they seek to enhance their competitiveness during this coaching transition, according to Oilers Nation.

Meanwhile, speculation regarding Connor McDavid's future with the team has intensified, with insiders like Bob Stauffer suggesting he is expected to sign a seven-year extension, reflecting his commitment to the franchise during this pivotal moment, as noted by Oilers Nation.

The potential hiring of Babcock has elicited mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with many expressing concerns about the implications of bringing in a controversial figure who resigned from his last position under scrutiny, highlighting a divided opinion on whether he is the right fit for the Oilers, as detailed by The Hockey News and The Hockey Writers.

Additionally, the Oilers recently saw the retirement announcement of former forward Milan Lucic, who reflected on a career that included a significant stint with Edmonton after being signed to a seven-year deal in 2016, marking the end of an era for the franchise, according to Oilers Nation.