Report: Babcock signed three year-contract with Oilers

The first reports about the terms of Mike Babcock’s contract with the Edmonton Oilers have been published.

According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, it is a three-year deal with an option for a fourth year.

“Teams are getting craftier at not divulging much information on coaching contracts, having figured out over the years that announcing exact term invites media speculation when a coach is entering his final season. So teams have been more general in announcing hires, as the Edmonton Oilers were when Mike Babcock was announced as head coach back on June 23. There was no announcement of how many years the contract was for.

“According to a person with direct knowledge of the deal, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to reveal details that are not public, it’s a three-year contract plus an option year for Babcock, who was happy in retirement. But his conversations with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and other Oilers leaders convinced him to come back behind the bench despite the controversy that ensued.”

As LeBrun points out, many were curious how long the Oilers committed to Babcock, given his professed retirement and the scuttlebutt his hiring caused. Was it a one-year trial? Or did they commit longer term?

Knowing the length of the contract gives some insight into the commitment both parties are making to each other, and what their ideal scenario is. But as we know, ultimately, it’s owner Daryl Katz’s money, and most coaches are fired before their contracts end. See Kris Knoblauch and his three-year extension kicking in this summer.

D.J. Smith is also new to the fold as an associate coach. According to reports from Darren Dreger and Nick Kypreos in June, it is a lucrative contract for an associate, being one of the highest-paying in the NHL.

Paul McFarland is also returning for his second season behind the Edmonton bench. He is the lone coach to remain from last year’s staff.

Then there’s coaching consultant Misha Donskov, who sounds like he’ll be used as a springboard and outside voice at the behest of Babcock. Of course, Donskov will be primarily focused on Hockey Canada’s World Juniors team and then the World Championships.