There appears to be some movement in the search for a new head coach in Edmonton.

Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli has spoken to Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings in regards to Mike Babcock, but has not requested official permission to conduct an interview, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

LeBrun adds that the Oilers are planning to have a head coach in place by the end of May, with Todd McLellan and Todd Nelson remaining the frontrunning candidates.

It's believed that the Oilers are high on McLellan, the former San Jose Sharks bench boss, and may look to secure his services rather than wait for Babcock to make a decision.

Either way, Chiarelli is wasting no time in making an imprint on his new club.