The Edmonton Oilers are officially moving forward with the process of hiring Mike Babcock as the team's next head coach, according to a report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The move comes after the NHL cleared Babcock, paving the way for the organization to begin formal contract negotiations.
Per @FriedgeHNIC, the timeline for a finalized deal appears to be early next week, assuming no unforeseen snags occur during the negotiation phase. Babcock, a veteran coach with a Stanley Cup championship and two Olympic gold medals on his resume, has been the subject of significant speculation regarding a return to an NHL bench.
The league's clearance was the final hurdle required for the Oilers to engage in the formal hiring process. With that clearance now secured, the team is expected to move quickly to finalize the details of the contract to bring the veteran coach to Edmonton. The transition marks a major shift for the franchise as they look to solidify their leadership for the upcoming season.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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