In a move that signals a fresh start for the Edmonton Oilers, the team has hired veteran coach Mike Babcock to lead the squad. The 63-year-old Babcock takes over the reins from Kris Knoblauch, who was unceremoniously fired on May 14 after a tumultuous three-season tenure that included two Stanley Cup Final appearances. As one of the most experienced coaches in the NHL, Babcock's hiring is seen as a bold move by the Oilers' front office, which is looking to recapture the magic that propelled the team to the league's biggest stage in recent years. With his reputation for tough love and tactical brilliance, Babcock will face the daunting task of reviving a team that has underperformed expectations in recent seasons.


Mike Babcock was hired as coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. The 63-year-old replaces Kris Knoblauch, who was fired May 14 after three seasons and two appearances in the Stanley Cup Final.