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‘A home run hire’: Oilers fans react to hiring of Misha Donskov

Misha Donskov Edmonton Oilers Hockey Canada

Photo credit: Hockey Canada

By Woz

Aug 28, 2026, 09:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 28, 2026, 00:54 EDT

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We’re deep into the NHL offseason, September is right around the corner, and the Edmonton Oilers have given fans a little bit of news. On Thursday afternoon, they announced the addition of Misha Donskov as a coaching consultant.

When Oilers fans first learned that Donskov had joined the organization, the reaction online was one of excitement as speculation grew about his future with the team.

How are Edmonton Oilers fans reacting to the Misha Donskov hiring?

F**kin great hire! – Jesse The Drop via X
I had a chance to listen to Donskov speak at a coaching conference earlier this month, and I came away incredibly impressed. This is a solid hire imo. – Golden Hockey via X
If the Oilers had Donskov pre-scouting last year, would they have targeted Trouba’s side for zone entries instead of Lacombe’s? – BobBuilder via X
Was on my shortlist for head coaching candidates and assistant candidates. Even in a consulting capacity, this would’ve been an great hire. – Willyston Rierllander via X

HOLYYYYY WWWWWWWWW – TheLineBlender via X
WOAH. Not only is that a home run hire but you may have found Babcock’s eventual successor. – Jimothy McGill via X
Fantastic hiring. I’m beyond confident in the team that has been built this year. – WellHeadHockey via X

Could Misha Donskov eventually succeed Mike Babcock as head coach?

It’s fascinating to see the type of reaction this has resulted in. As some fans have pointed out, this could be a replacement for Mike Babcock once his time with the organization ends, whether it’s successful or not. This shows the Oilers’ willingness and drive to continue their success, and they’re assembling the pieces to ensure this club has a path forward not just in the present but over the next five to 10 years.

Donskov is elite level assistant coach. And is a future head coach. This is a elite level hire by Edmonton – Zach_20007 via X
Love it! Loads of experience and success. Another set of qualified eyes with ties to Hockey Canada. AC to Cooper in Milan. Canada’s head coach at Worlds 2026 (aka Bouchard’s coach). Head coach Canada World Juniors this year. This is a good move Oilers. – u/CartoonistFlat3943 via r/EdmontonOilers
Wow, I hoped the Oilers got Misha Donskov. I was thinking he was gonna be next head coach when Knoblauch got relieved of his duties. Perhaps still might be one day. – u/Tatanka97 via r/EdmontonOilers
I’m quite happy with this. He was on the coaching roster for Canada during Four Nation Face Off, and we know we won that of course. – u/Szn_lazar777 via r/EdmontonOilers

Honestly, when I looked through the online comment threads about this hire, it was purely praise, with a little bit of skepticism from rival fans. Out of all the coaching moves this summer, this is the one that’s had Oilers fans smiling the most.

Only time will tell what Donskov will have with the Oilers, but at this moment, the Oilers feel he should be part of their organization.

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