Mike Babcock makes his first major decision as Oilers' head coach that directly affects Connor McDavid
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers named DJ Smith associate coach Tuesday - but the real story is what his presence signals about this franchise's biggest risk.
Smith, 49, began his NHL coaching career under Mike Babcock in Toronto in 2015. That reunion angle is accurate, and it is the context reporters are leading with.
But Smith is not just a familiar voice beside a returning coach. He served as interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings this past season, going 11-6-6 from March 2026 through the end of the regular season.
He is a bench-ready head coach, not an assistant coach being elevated for development.
The other reason Edmonton wanted Smith
Babcock's return to the NHL is the most scrutinized coaching hire in recent memory.
The NHL cleared him from the Columbus Blue Jackets investigation just last week, following a request from the NHL Players' Association.
Former players have spoken out about his methods going back to his Detroit and Toronto tenures.
Placing an experienced head coach beside him in year one is not coincidence.
General manager Stan Bowman did not hire a symbolic number two. He hired someone already capable of running a bench if this situation requires it.
Why Smith's résumé makes this reading credible
If this were a ceremonial add, Edmonton would not need a coach with Smith's credentials. He posted 131 wins with the Ottawa Senators, second most in franchise history among head coaches.
He handled his own bench in Los Angeles just months ago. He is functionally overqualified for a standard associate role.
The Edmonton Oilers are balancing Connor McDavid's future, Babcock's baggage, and back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers.
Smith is not just staff - he is a contingency built into the coaching structure from day one.
Whether this all holds together depends on Babcock, not Smith.
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