Nation Sites
The Nation Network
OilersNation has no direct affiliation to the Edmonton Oilers, Oilers Entertainment Group, NHL, or NHLPA
Babcock hiring ‘exciting possibility’ for Oilers’ Jason Dickinson
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Jun 22, 2026, 17:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 22, 2026, 17:18 EDT
Two returning Edmonton Oilers don’t have concerns about Mike Babcock – in fact, quite the opposite for Jason Dickinson.
Both he and Connor Murphy had a joint media availability Monday after signing five-year contracts with the Oilers. They are the first members of the organization to be asked publicly about the possibility of Babcock being their next head coach.
That hiring is expected to be finalized and announced tomorrow, according to Oilersnation’s Jason Gregor.
“If he’s reinstated by the league, then he’s welcome to coach in the league and there’s no concerns about that,” said Dickinson. “So it’s exciting that it’s a possibility. He has a great track record. He’s won some big tournaments for Canada and he’s done well for himself.”
Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson during their virtual media avail on Monday. Credit: Edmonton Oilers.
‘Very mature group’
Murphy didn’t answer quite so directly about Babcock, but talked about the team’s maturity, which was part of the main reasons Edmonton was attractive to him in the first place.
“In general, the one thing I feel about the team that we’ve been a part of is being more of a veteran group and a very mature group,” said Murphy.
“I feel like whatever coach comes in and whatever they try to implement accountability-wise or structure-wise or discipline, I think guys will handle it. And I think guys really want to be coached. So anything that’s thrown this team’s way, I think they’re going to really grasp it and try to get the best of each other with whatever is given.”
Both Dickinson and Murphy were acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in separate March trades.
Dickinson’s contract is a five-year deal with a $4 million cap hit, while containing signing bonuses of $1.5 million for the first three years and $1 million bonuses in the fourth and fifth years. The first three seasons include a full no-move clause, shifting to a 16-team approved trade list in the final two years, after June 15, 2029.
Murphy’s contract is similarly structured. His deal is slightly more expensive against the cap at $4.1 million, while carrying the same full no-movement clause in the first three years, and a 16-team approved trade list in the final two years, just like Dickinson’s.
While available to reporters, the pair were asked about why they decided to stay in Edmonton, their defensive prowess, and other factors that led to their contracts.
Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4.
PRESENTED BY THE DAILY FACEOFF FREE AGENCY SPECIAL
Daily Faceoff is your Free Agency Headquarters! Big moves. Breaking news. Instant analysis. Daily Faceoff is bringing the team together July 1st for a live Free Agency Special featuring Jeff Marek, Tyler Yaremchuk, Carter Hutton, and Dave Pagnotta. Tune in at noon ET on the Daily Faceoff YouTube Channel and socials for full coverage as the NHL landscape changes. WATCH LIVE!
Breaking News
- Babcock hiring ‘exciting possibility’ for Oilers’ Jason Dickinson
- Monday Musings: Dickinson, Murphy, Babcock, and free agency plans
- Babcock talked to Oilers leaders ‘very bluntly’ about not winning
- Like Dickinson, Murphy’s new deal with Oilers carries five years of movement clauses
- Oilers sign defenceman Connor Murphy to five-year contract extension