Connor McDavid publicly backed head coach Mike Babcock, giving Edmonton's controversial hire a powerful locker-room endorsement.
Leon Draisaitl said the Oilers addressed Babcock's past during an honest conversation before the June 23 hiring became official.
The leadership group met with Babcock face to face. Draisaitl said the difficult history was put on the table, allowing the players to move forward.
McDavid focused on the coach's experience. Babcock owns 700 NHL wins across 17 seasons and has handled Stanley Cup, Olympic and international pressure.
"You name it, he's done it. It's a great opportunity for us players to be coached by somebody like him."
-
Zach Hyman also delivered a strong endorsement after playing under Babcock in Toronto. He credited the coach with establishing a foundation for several young Maple Leafs.
That support matters. Edmonton isn't presenting Babcock as a coach the players must tolerate; its biggest stars are openly selling him as the right choice.
-
Connor McDavid's message about Mike Babcock is turning heads
Babcock arrives after a major roster shakeup. Darnell Nurse was traded to San Jose, while Shakir Mukhamadullin and Ryan Shea joined a remodeled blue line.
McDavid admitted losing Nurse was difficult because of his importance to the group. He also expressed excitement about the new pieces entering Edmonton's locker room.
The crease changed too. Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi joined Tristan Jarry, giving Babcock 3 options rather than an automatic opening-night starter.
McDavid supported that setup, pointing to the value of having another goalie ready when injuries strike. Camp performance will determine how the workload is divided.
The urgency behind every move is clear. Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025 before losing in the first round last season with a 41-30-11 record.
McDavid is entering the first season of a 2-year, $25,000,000 extension. The Oilers can't spend another year searching for their identity while his next contract decision approaches.
A longer summer has given McDavid and Draisaitl time to train instead of simply recover. Both described that opportunity as valuable after several demanding seasons.
Babcock begins with something many controversial hires never receive: public support from the players carrying the franchise. Now he must turn that backing into structure, trust and a longer playoff run.
Will Mike Babcock lead the Edmonton Oilers back to the Stanley Cup Final?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
The end of the Morgan Rielly era in Toronto is now confirmed, per report
