The Edmonton Oilers have welcomed more than one seasoned hockey person to the staff in the form of coaching consultant Misha Donskov for the 2026–27 season. The change will lend another proven voice to Edmonton’s transition to new coach Mike Babcock as the team seeks to end their playoff drought in hopes of a title.
Donskov, 49, has a solid resume both in the NHL and inter2026–27 seasonnationally. Before joining the Golden Knights he worked under their helm in Vegas as the director of hockey operations, and then as the Golden Knights’ assistant coach. He also served as a part of Vegas’ coaching staff in 2023, when the team went to win the Stanley Cup. Later, Donskov served two seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars.
In recent times, however, it is an appointment that is fraught with greater intrigue due to his international experience in recent times. On the coaching staff, Donskov has had extensive experiences with Hockey Canada and served as a coach on the Canadian team when the nation won back-to-back victories at the 4 Nations Face-Off and picked up the silver medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics. He also crossed the line for Canada in the 2026 World Junior Championship to claim the bronze medals.
Donskov will not leave Hockey Canada behind. He will remain the organization vice president of hockey operations and coach of the national men’s team, but due to the need to be at home for his team, the Oilers will be home for him for a limited number of days each month. In addition, he will be coaching Canada for the 2027 World Junior Championship to be hosted in Edmonton and Red Deer.
The addition brings welcome experience and a new outlook to Babcock’s team for the Oilers. Edmonton is in a new coaching era, and internationally, Donskov’s experience may be valuable throughout the season.
In conclusion, the Oilers are implementing changes in their coaching staff ahead of game day, and Donskov’s signing might be one such change that can help Edmonton reach its expected peak in 2026–27.
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