Mike Babcock is back in the NHL as the Oilers and four other teams make coaching changes

Mike Babcock, last seen coaching an NHL game in November 2019, is returning to the league with the Edmonton Oilers. A former Olympic gold medalist with Canada in 2010 and 2014, and the Detroit Red Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup champion, Babcock brings experience and accountability to the Oilers' management. The team is favored for the championship due to the presence of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

In a different division, Los Angeles has hired Peter Laviolette, who has a history of making deep runs in the playoffs. In the Golden State, the Vegas Golden Knights have promoted Ryan Craig from the American Hockey League as their new coach. Craig, a former Golden Knights assistant and Stanley Cup champion, will lead the franchise after the departure of Bruce Cassidy.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, meanwhile, have brought back Jim Hiller, who was part of Babcock's coaching staff with the Maple Leafs from 2015-19. Lastly, Vancouver has promoted defenseman Manny Malhotra, who has experience in the AHL and brings a strong work ethic to the rebuilding Canucks.