Misha Donskov joins Oilers as coaching consultant

Donskov, 49, is currently Hockey Canada’s vice president of hockey operations and a coach for the Canadian men’s national team. He served as the head coach for the Canadian team that finished fourth at the 2026 IIHF World Championship. He served as an assistant coach for Canada’s silver medal-winning team at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and for Canada’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off winning team. He was an associate coach for Canada’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, and will be the head coach for Canada’s 2027 World Junior team.

The London, Ontario native will join the Oilers for a select number of home games each month during the NHL season, while maintaining his role for Hockey Canada.

Donskov has plenty of NHL coaching experience, including most recently serving as an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Before joining the Stars, he was an assistant coach with the Vegas Golden Knights for three-plus seasons.

In a press release from the team, Edmonton head coach Mike Babcock expressed his enthusiasm for Donskov joining the Oilers.

“We are excited to have Misha join our coaching staff,” said Babcock. “We believe his wealth of experience, people skills and professionalism will make our group better. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our staff, players and the Oilers organization.”

Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice president of hockey operations, talked about the benefits Donskov will receive from working with the Oilers.

“We consider this a tremendous experience for Misha, especially as we prepare to host the World Juniors with him as our head coach in December,” said Salmond. “Misha is a proven winner and a tremendous leader, and we are excited that he will continue to develop his skills through this new position with the Edmonton Oilers, which we know will positively impact both of our organizations on and off the ice.”