Babcock Back? Oilers, Hyman, and History

Mike Babcock’s potential return to the NHL as Edmonton Oilers head coach has the hockey world buzzing — but not without controversy. After a five-year coaching hiatus since 2019, Babcock’s resume includes playoff glory (last win in 2013) and a legacy marred by past allegations of bullying and questionable player treatment, still under NHLPA investigation. Yet, there’s a bright spot: Zach Hyman, who played under Babcock for five seasons with Toronto, credits him for spotting his potential early — even before they were teammates. Babcock valued Hyman’s relentless work ethic and puck-retrieval skills, slotting him with elite scorers and giving him crucial shorthanded minutes as a rookie. If Babcock lands the Oilers job, this history could be a game-changer — Hyman’s experience might not only ease the transition but also help sway other players to embrace the new coaching direction. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7828c5da878a572b