Mike Babcock jabs TSN reporter over morning skate question, saying he creates problems for clicks
Babcock told Ryan Rishaug he arrived five minutes early to morning skate, not 20 minutes early.
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Oilers head coach Mike Babcock arrived five minutes early to Thursday's morning skate, not 20 minutes early, he told TSN's Ryan Rishaug, who had asked about his timing.
Babcock was on the ice later than most of his players, but he said he went out with the last group. "It's interesting, because it was the first time since I've been here, Connor Murphy and Evan Bouchard were still in the room," he said. "But I appreciate a good tightening."
He then turned the jab back on Rishaug: "No, you are, let's be honest. The more problems you create, the more clicks you get. You and I know that."
Babcock was hired as Edmonton's head coach on June 23, 2026, after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his aborted 2023 Columbus Blue Jackets stint. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said there was "no basis upon which he should be prohibited from coaching" but expects "a certain level of decorum and conduct" from head coaches.
The facts
Who did Mike Babcock exchange barbs with at Edmonton's morning skate?
Mike Babcock, head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, jabbed TSN reporter Ryan Rishaug after Rishaug asked about his arrival time. Babcock said Rishaug creates problems to get more clicks.
When was the morning skate where Mike Babcock was questioned about his arrival time?
The Edmonton Oilers morning skate took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Babcock said he arrived five minutes early, not 20 minutes early.
When was Mike Babcock hired as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers?
Mike Babcock was hired as Edmonton Oilers head coach on June 23, 2026. He was hired after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his a
