Who will coach the Oilers? Babcock, Tortorella, or someone new
Edmonton is actively pursuing Mike Babcock as head coach, but John Tortorella from Vegas is also in the mix.
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Edmonton's hunt for a new coach is heating up with multiple candidates in play. The Oilers have made clear their interest in an experienced coach who can command the room and has won the Stanley Cup.
Mike Babcock is the team's preferred choice, according to Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now. The Oilers say their top players have met with Babcock and want him as coach. The team awaits NHL clearance on whether Babcock will be allowed to coach this year, though reports suggest he'll be given the green light.
John Tortorella, currently Vegas's coach, is also a candidate. His contract with the Golden Knights runs through June 30. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has speculated that Vegas may hire Ryan Craig, their AHL Henderson coach, which could free Tortorella for either Edmonton or Toronto, both with coaching openings.
Tortorella kept in place all of Bruce Cassidy's systems in Vegas and fits Edmonton's stated preference for a proven winner. However, Edmonton's defensive struggles last season raise questions about whether Tortorella could bring the necessary tactical changes.
If neither Babcock nor Tortorella materializes, Darryl Sutter—a two-time Stanley Cup winner in Los Angeles who recently coached Calgary—is another option, though sources suggest Babcock may be named head coach this week.