Detroit Red Wings
2026-06-20
Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup winner Aaron Ward has slammed the Edmonton Oilers for considering Mike Babcock as their new coach. Ward, who played for the Red Wings from 1993 to 2001, appeared on the Coming In Hot Podcast and did not hold back his opinions on Babcock. If you have half a brain, if you're in Northern Alberta right now and you've got that three-ring circus going on, yeah, you're just an idiot, Ward said. Babcock's reputation for bullying players is well-known, and Ward heard plenty of horror stories from his former Red Wings teammates, including Johan Franzen. Ward also had his own run-in with Babcock while working as an NHL analyst for TSN, when Babcock tried to get him fired. And Ward was not afraid to share the details of that incident, saying Babcock called the powers that be to try to get him fired after he leaked some information that was true. So Ward got a call from TSN management, saying Babcock was trying to get him fired, and he was shocked. But what's even more shocking is that Babcock's behavior has not changed over the years, and Ward believes the Oilers are making a huge mistake by hiring him. The Red Wings players of that era have since shared their own Babcock horror stories, and it's clear that he is not well-liked by many of his former players. Ward's comments are sure to stir up controversy, but he is not afraid to speak his mind. He has always been known for his outspoken personality, and he is not going to change now. The Oilers' decision to hire Babcock will be closely watched, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. But one thing is for sure, Aaron Ward is not a fan of Mike Babcock, and he is not afraid to say it. Ward's experience with Babcock is a cautionary tale for the Oilers, and they would do well to listen to his warnings. The Red Wings' history with Babcock is complicated, and it's clear that he is a polarizing figure. But Ward's comments are a reminder that there is more to the story than just wins and losses.