Mike Babcock's Triple Gold Resume Draws Oilers Interest

At 63 years old, Mike Babcock stands alone as the only NHL coach to claim Olympic gold, World Championship gold and the Stanley Cup.

A Career Defined by Hardware

Babcock coached 1,301 regular-season games across stops with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. He recorded 700 regular-season wins, ranking 12th all time, and added 90 playoff victories for a combined 790 wins. Those totals place him 13th in NHL history for total bench wins. His only Stanley Cup arrived in 2008 with Detroit, while two Olympic golds (2010, 2014), one World Championship gold, one World Junior gold and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey title complete the collection.

No other coach matches this exact combination of major international and club hardware. The Oilers’ reported interest therefore centers on proven winning pedigree rather than recent game experience.

Babcock last directed an NHL regular-season game on November 19, 2019, when the Maple Leafs dismissed him in favor of Sheldon Keefe. His subsequent 2023 stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets ended after fewer than three months when he resigned on September 17.

The 2026 Oilers Connection

Multiple reports indicate the Oilers have discussed hiring Babcock as head coach. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on May 26, 2026, that Edmonton is consulting the NHL Players’ Association to clear any objections before a potential move. The NHLPA offered no comment on the inquiry.

Babcock resigned from Columbus after the Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast alleged he requested players share personal phone photos. The NHLPA conducted its own investigation into those claims. Friedman noted that subsequent discussions removed any formal objection, though the league itself must still approve the hire.

The Oilers currently sit without a permanent head coach following their most recent postseason exit. Babcock’s availability after nearly seven years away from the regular-season bench presents a contrast to candidates still active in professional or collegiate roles.

Weighing the Record Against the Hiatus

Babcock’s 17th-place ranking in games coached underscores sustained NHL longevity that few peers can match. His 700 regular-season wins exceed the totals of several active coaches who have never reached a Stanley Cup Final. Those numbers stand independent of the six-year gap since his last regular-season game.

Edmonton must weigh that historical success against the absence of recent in-game decision data. No coach with comparable hardware has returned after a comparable layoff. The Oilers’ choice would therefore test whether accumulated titles and win totals translate directly to 2026 roster management.

Babcock remains the only bench boss in the Triple Gold Club. That distinction alone separates him from every other name discussed for the vacancy.