Oilers News & Rumours: Murphy & Dickinson Extended, Babcock Hiring, Kapanen Leaving?

The Edmonton Oilers have a lot of things going on right now. From extending key pending free agents, to finding a new head coach, to trying to improve their roster on the trade market, they have a lot of work to do between now and the beginning of the 2026-27 season.

In this edition of Oilers News and Rumours, we take a look at the recent extensions of both Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson. Next, we look at the inevitable Mike Babcock hiring, which some expect could come any day now. Lastly, we take a look at the likelihood of Kasperi Kapanen testing free agency.

Oilers Extend Dickinson & Murphy

The Oilers recently announced extensions for two key pending free agents, Jason Dickinson and Connor Murphy. Both of them signed five-year extensions, with Dickinson’s cap hit coming it at $4 million annually, and Murphy’s coming in at $4.1 million annually.

MURPH 👊

The #Oilers have signed defenceman Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an AAV of $4.1 million. pic.twitter.com/7avMhxiYDt

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 22, 2026

The Oilers still have plenty of work to do this offseason, but they have come out of the gates strong, bringing back two key pieces as they try to bounce back and have a deeper playoff run next season.

Babcock Hiring Seems Inevitable

The Oilers continue to look for a new head coach, but according to several trusted pundits, they will be hiring Mike Babcock any day now.

Dickinson and Murphy remain with Oilers. Two players with a defence-first mentality, something the organization needs.
Babcock presser coming…likely tomorrow.
That and more in Monday Musings…https://t.co/0VIFk33YEt pic.twitter.com/JW9apzNJfy

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) June 22, 2026

There were some rumours that the Oilers could have a press conference scheduled for today (Jun. 23) to announce their new head coach, and this report from Jason Gregor seems to confirm that as a possibility.

Despite some speculation connecting the Oilers to Bruce Cassidy as a potential head coach target, it seems as though they are going to go a different direction and bring in someone who doesn’t have the best reputation across the NHL.

Babcock was recently cleared by the NHL, following an investigation, to pursue a coaching position again, following his release from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.

Following the investigation, the NHL released a statement, saying, “The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith.” It continued, “our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favourable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”

Time will tell how this decision works out in a short contention window.

Kapanen Testing Free Agency?

In a recent appearance on OilersNation Everyday, David Pagnotta discussed a few other pending free agents, and hinted at the fact Kasperi Kapanen could be testing the free agent market this offseason.

Pagnotta said, “[Jack] Roslovic is leaving, [Adam] Henrique is leaving.” He continued, “I could be wrong on [Kasperi] Kapanen, but I think he’s also going to market again. I could be wrong on that front.”

Kapanen played an important role for the Oilers last season, playing on Leon Draisaitl’s wing and becoming a trusted player at even strength in their top-six forward group, so losing him isn’t ideal, and the Oilers will have to react accordingly and try to replace him.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, be sure to continue following The Hockey Writers as your source for news, updates, and more from around the NHL and the hockey world.