Oilers off-season moves raise eyebrows

The Edmonton Oilers' off-season decisions are under intense scrutiny, primarily due to owner Daryl Katz's significant involvement. Katz reportedly pushed for the firing of Kris Knoblauch and has expressed a desire to hire Mike Babcock as head coach, according to Oilers Nation.

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman noted that Katz's influence has grown in recent years, affecting key organizational decisions. However, the Oilers' pursuit of Babcock has sparked controversy due to allegations of privacy invasion during his brief tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The NHL Players' Association has requested an investigation into those allegations, which could delay the hiring process. This comes as the Oilers missed out on other coaching candidates, including Peter Laviolette, who chose to join the Los Angeles Kings.

The potential hiring of Babcock has led to backlash from fans, with concerns that it could accelerate star player Connor McDavid's departure from the team. Meanwhile, the investigation's timeline remains uncertain, adding further complications to the Oilers' coaching search.

If Babcock steps back from consideration, it could allow the Oilers to salvage their reputation amid the backlash, but as it stands, their off-season decisions continue to raise questions about the team's leadership and direction.