Mike Babcock faces first major issue after being hired by the Edmonton Oilers
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After months of controversy, Mike Babcock has officially been named the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers and now he faces his first major challenge as the team's head coach.
The Edmonton Oilers faced a major setback in 2025-26 after a heartbreaking first round loss to the Anaheim Ducks in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The loss prompted GM Stan Bowman to fire former head coach Kris Knoblauch replacing him with the highly controversial candidate in Babcock.
After a league wide investigation Babcock was ruled eligible and now has turned his focus to coaching.
According to multiple reports, Babcock's first major decision will come in the way of determining his goaltending duo.
Mike Babcock faces first major decision as Edmonton Oilers head coach
Earlier this month, the Edmonton Oilers traded for top goaltending prospect Devon Levi in a deal with the Buffalo Sabres.
Additionally, the Oilers signed well respected veteran Frederik Andersen to a one-year deal.
With these moves, the Oilers now have three goaltenders Levi, Andersen, and Tristan Jarry who are all waiver eligible.
This means that Babcock will need to decide whether to carry three goaltenders and place significant stress on the rest of the lineup or to risk losing one of the goalies on waivers.
This of course will be a decision made along with GM Stan Bowman and a plan is likely already in place.
The decision to be made by Babcock likely will be the first and most important move he makes as the Oilers head coach as goaltending has plagued this Oilers team for years.
As the pre-season approaches it will be interesting to hear from Babcock on his plans for the goaltenders and who will be the odd man out.
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