Leon Draisaitl believes Mike Babcock arrives at the right time for the Edmonton Oilers. The forward said Babcock brings a different personality and believes the veteran coach can help the team reach its goal.
Draisaitl spoke about Babcock after meeting with the veteran coach during the offseason. He said those conversations made him even more excited to work with Babcock.
“I think it’s just the time that we’re all at in our career, I guess the age that we’re at, and I think he’s the right guy to get us to where we want to get to. Obviously, it’s a different look, a change in personality, but very excited to learn from him, very excited to work with him, and yeah, like I said, very excited to get going.”The Oilers hired Babcock after parting ways with Kris Knoblauch following their first-round exit in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Oilers hired Babcock after parting ways with Kris Knoblauch following their first-round exit in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Mike Babcock’s hiring has attracted plenty of attention because of his previous stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Even so, Edmonton is bringing in a coach with plenty of experience. The 63-year-old has won 700 regular-season games, coached 1,301 NHL games and led the Detroit Red Wings to the Stanley Cup in 2008.
Mike Babcock already has the backing of Edmonton’s captain
Leon Draisaitl wasn’t the only Oilers star to speak positively about Mike Babcock’s hiring. Team captain Connor McDavid also said he is looking forward to working with the veteran coach and believes his experience will benefit the group.
McDavid shared his thoughts during Zach Hyman’s annual charity golf tournament. He said the Oilers have a chance to learn from someone who has coached on hockey’s biggest stages.
“We see a great opportunity to be coached by someone who’s coached in every single big game there is to coach in.”
McDavid said Babcock’s track record was one of the biggest reasons the players were excited about the appointment.
“Who’s been successful, won Cups, gold medals, you name it, he’s done it. It’s a great opportunity for us players to be coached by somebody like him and learn from him.”
Mike Babcock returns to the NHL after leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets before the start of the 2023-24 season. His departure came after the NHL and NHLPA looked into allegations about his interactions with players during his brief time with the club.
The Oilers hired Babcock after their first-round exit from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Edmonton opens the new season against the Vancouver Canucks on September 29.
Edited by Sonali Verma