Red Wings Coach: Babcock Back Where He Belongs

Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan stated that Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock is back where he belongs. Speaking after Detroit's 4-3 shootout victory over Edmonton on Monday, McLellan praised his former colleague as an outstanding coach despite widespread controversy surrounding Babcock's coaching return. Under Babcock, the Oilers currently lead the Pacific Division with an 8-2-2 record.

Babcock previously faced accusations of bullying players, with former Red Wings including Johan Franzen and Chris Chelios speaking out about mistreatment. He was also dismissed by Columbus in 2023 following an NHLPA investigation into player privacy violations. McLellan suggested that Babcock's time away from the sport may help him better understand modern player-coach relationships.