Former Edmonton Oilers centre and coach Craig MacTavish offered his support for the hiring of controversial head coach Mike Babcock during a speech at the Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament's Team Alberta jersey presentation in Edmonton on Friday, June 26, 2026.
MacTavish voices support for Babcock
While discussing the coaching staff for Team Alberta at this year's Brick invitational tournament, MacTavish pivoted to Babcock's recent hiring. “I’m a fan and he’s going to get my support,” said MacTavish, “because I know how difficult that position is.”
MacTavish, who coached the Oilers from 2000 to 2009 and led them to the 2006 Stanley Cup finals, also served as an executive with the team from 2012 to 2019. He emphasized that Babcock's extensive experience in hockey is not the most critical factor in coaching success.
Communication over knowledge
“As a coach, it’s really not about what you know or how much you know, because Mike, there’s nobody that has more experience in hockey,” MacTavish said. He stressed that the most important quality for a coach is communication with players. “That’s the most critical part, that you want to present the information to the players in a way that can influence their behaviour and inspire them.”
MacTavish ended his remarks by reiterating the importance of communication: “It’s not what you know, it’s about communicating what you do know to players.”
Babcock's controversial track record
MacTavish joins a list of Oilers players, executives, and media members who have weighed in on Babcock's polarizing hiring. Babcock's career includes a long track record of harsh treatment of players, most recently a scandal with the Columbus Blue Jackets where he allegedly requested to go through players' cellphones. Critics include former players like Johan Franzen and Daniel Winnik, who accused Babcock of ruining their love for the game.
Despite the baggage, MacTavish noted Babcock's championship pedigree, having won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 during a 10-year tenure there. “The book is still out, but he’s a sharp guy,” MacTavish said.
Oilers community divided
The hiring has drawn mixed reactions from the Oilers community. While MacTavish offers support, others have voiced strong opposition. The scrutiny is expected to continue as the season progresses.
