# Oilers' Mike Babcock and D.J. Smith Hirings & News and Rumours

### Also, Oilers' offseason trade bait and Connor McDavid's admirable loyalty.

[Justin Giampietro](https://substack.com/@justinghockey) and [The Hockey Writers - NHL Stuff](https://substack.com/@thehockeywriters)

Jun 24, 2026

All the latest from our great team of [Edmonton Oilers](https://thehockeywriters.com/edmonton-oilers/) writers.

[THW's 2026 NHL Draft Guide](https://thehockeywriters.com/2026-nhl-draft-guide/)

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#### [D.J. Smith Brings Much-Needed Experience to Oilers Bench](https://thehockeywriters.com/d-j-smith-brings-much-needed-experience-to-oilers-bench/)

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#### [NHL Rumors: Oilers Hire Babcock, McTavish Buzz, Brady Tkachuk Explains](https://thehockeywriters.com/nhl-rumors-oilers-hire-babcock-mctavish-buzz-brady-tkachuk-explains-06-23-2026/)

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#### [Oilers Hire Mike Babcock as Head Coach, Add D.J. Smith to Coaching Staff](https://thehockeywriters.com/oilers-hire-mike-babcock-as-head-coach-add-d-j-smith-to-coaching-staff/)

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#### [Oilers News & Rumours: Murphy & Dickinson Extended, Babcock Hiring, Kapanen Leaving?](https://thehockeywriters.com/oilers-news-rumours-murphy-dickinson-extended-babcock-hiring-kapanen-leaving/)

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#### [Oilers Offseason Trade Bait: Who’s Available & Who’s Untouchable?](https://thehockeywriters.com/oilers-offseason-trade-bait-whos-available-whos-untouchable/)

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#### [McDavid’s Loyalty to the Oilers Is Becoming More Admirable By the Day](https://thehockeywriters.com/mcdavids-loyalty-to-the-oilers-is-becoming-more-admirable-by-the-day/)

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#### _From Sportsnet.ca_

[How signing Murphy and Dickinson sets up Oilers to bounce back](https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/how-signing-murphy-and-dickinson-sets-up-oilers-to-bounce-back/)

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#### _THW Substack Premium Content_

[**You Think This Summer Feels Busy With NHL Trade Talk? Wait Until Next Year...**](https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/p/summer-feels-busy-2026-27-offseason-trades)

[Jim Parsons](https://substack.com/profile/4342795-jim-parsons) and [The Hockey Writers - NHL Stuff](https://substack.com/profile/35331526-the-hockey-writers-nhl-stuff)

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Jun 22

[Read full story](https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/p/summer-feels-busy-2026-27-offseason-trades)

[**The Hockey Writer's Mark Scheig Explains His 2026 NHL Awards Ballot**](https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/p/the-hockey-writers-mark-scheig-explains)

[Mark Scheig](https://substack.com/profile/275230258-mark-scheig) and [The Hockey Writers - NHL Stuff](https://substack.com/profile/35331526-the-hockey-writers-nhl-stuff)

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Jun 15

[Read full story](https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/p/the-hockey-writers-mark-scheig-explains)

[**When Does an NHL Team Become Too Desperate?**](https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/p/when-does-an-nhl-team-become-too-desperate-oilers-case-study)

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Jun 13

[Read full story](https://thehockeywriters.substack.com/p/when-does-an-nhl-team-become-too-desperate-oilers-case-study)