Former NHL defenseman Mike Commodore has once again commented on Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock, warning that the veteran coach cannot afford another failed opportunity behind an NHL bench.
Speaking on the Clearing the Crease podcast, Commodore questioned whether Babcock has changed following his controversial coaching history.
“For those people who say that people can change and people deserve a second chance, I totally agree,” Commodore said. “He got his second chance, and he blew that in 50 days. You want to give him a third chance, go ahead.”
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Commodore also criticized Babcock’s recent media comments, saying, “People are saying, “Well, you know what? He’s changed.” After listening to that press conference, I’m like, “Yeah, he has changed.” He’s changed for the worse. I think he’s gotten more defiant. I think he’s gotten more arrogant.”
He then warned Babcock, saying, “Anyway, don’t puck this up, Babs. Here we are. You got another opportunity, and this time you got the best player in the world. So, here’s your opportunity. Let’s see if he can make it to training camp. That’ll be a first step.”
Oilers’ Stanley Cup window leaves little room for error
Former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock at Scotiabank Arena. Columbus defeated Toronto in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Oilers hired Babcock to replace Kris Knoblauch, betting that his championship experience can maximize Connor McDavid‘s two-year contract extension. Edmonton enters a clear win-now period after another disappointing playoff exit despite one of the NHL’s most talented rosters.
Commodore warned that this could be Babcock’s final coaching opportunity. “Don’t puck this one up because the phone ain’t ringing again,” he said.
The skepticism surrounding Babcock extends well beyond Commodore. His previous NHL stops included public criticism from former players and a brief, controversial tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets that ended before he coached a game.
Oilers have hired Mike Babcock to bring accountability
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes the Oilers intentionally embraced that risk. On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said, “They needed a break.” He added that Babcock challenged Edmonton’s leadership group by telling them, “You guys are as much the problem.”
“I think it’s going to be a really fascinating dynamic because if they want to be challenged, they got a guy who’s not going to be afraid to challenge them,” Friedman said.
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The hire will ultimately be judged by results inside the dressing room and on the ice. Babcock has the tactical resume to improve Edmonton’s structure, but maintaining player trust remains the bigger challenge. If the relationship with McDavid and the leadership group stays strong, the gamble could pay off. If not, the Oilers risk wasting their most important championship window.
