On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers officially announced that Mike Babcock will serve as the team’s new head coach.

Babcock’s appointment comes following an investigation by the NHL and NHLPA into his past conduct while behind the bench. This includes resigning from the Columbus Blue Jackets three years ago, amidst allegations of inappropriate conduct, just months after being named head coach. Namely, he was accused of making young players uncomfortable by going through their phones. After this month’s investigation, Babcock was cleared to be hired by the Oilers.

Given Babcock’s controversial reputation amongst many current and former players, some have wondered whether his appointment will affect Edmonton’s ability to attract talent in free agency. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Oilers GM Stan Bowman addressed the narrative but shared that he isn’t worried about it being a factor.

“I guess that remains to be seen, but no, that’s not a concern,” Bowman said. “You know, just the conversations we had with our two guys we just re-signed in (Jason) Dickinson and (Connor) Murphy, had great chats with both of them.

“At the end of the day, players are focused on their own preparation, their game. Certainly, they think about things like coaches, but I think at the end of the day, they got to prepare themselves and do what they can to come in. Coaches want to win and they want to put good players on the ice, and so as a player, I think you’re looking for that opportunity and you understand it.

“Everything Mike (Babcock) just said is ‘we’re trying to find more roles for guys.’ So if you come here, you’re going to have the opportunity. We’re looking to give more players bigger roles than they had last year.”

The Oilers currently boast over $7 million in cap space, one week out from the start of free agency on July 1st. The team currently has six players on expiring contracts, including Jack Roslovic and Connor Ingram, and two players set to become restricted free agents.

Edmonton’s need to add in free agency is evident, with Connor McDavid set to begin his two-year extension with the Oilers next season, and a desire to build a winning roster to keep him in town. This past season, Edmonton followed up its back-to-back Cup Final finishes with a first-round exit against the Anaheim Ducks.

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