Babcock faces former team as Oilers host Leafs

Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock will face his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, for the first time on Saturday since his 2019 firing. Babcock coached Toronto from 2015 to 2019 before being dismissed following a six-game losing streak. Both Babcock and Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews reflected positively on their past working relationship ahead of the matchup at Rogers Place.

The Oilers currently lead the Pacific Division with an 8-1-1 record, while Toronto sits fourth in the Atlantic Division at 6-4-2. In roster moves ahead of the game, Edmonton placed goaltender Devon Levi on injured reserve, recalled Matt Tomkins under emergency conditions, and confirmed Tristan Jarry as Saturday's starting goaltender.