Brendan Smith believes Mike Babcock can fit Edmonton's win-now push, pointing to the coach's demanding style and tactical detail.
Smith broke into the NHL under Babcock in Detroit and said the coach taught him a great deal, even while making the environment challenging.
His strongest praise centered on preparation. Smith described Babcock's practices as high-tempo and credited the daily work with helping him improve against elite competition.
He also praised Babcock's ability to read opposing systems and make tactical adjustments during games, calling his understanding of X's and O's elite.
That matters in Edmonton because Babcock isn't inheriting a patient rebuilding project. The Oilers expect to contend immediately around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Smith believes that urgency is part of why Edmonton made the hire. He sees Babcock as a coach who demands commitment, makes expectations clear and keeps players accountable.
“You learn a lot, but it can be really challenging and demanding. Babcock taught me a ton.”
- Brendan Smith
Smith says Oilers players will know exactly where they stand
One detail stood out from Smith's experience: there was little confusion about his role. He always understood the type of player Babcock expected him to be.
For Edmonton's supporting cast, that clarity could become significant. Players such as Trent Frederic, Mathieu Joseph and Ryan Shea enter camp with a new staff deciding how responsibilities will be distributed.
Smith didn't pretend Babcock's approach works for everyone. He contrasted it with Rod Brind'Amour's trust-based style and acknowledged that his experience under Babcock came with both positives and negatives.
"I knew what kind of player he wanted me to be, to be successful on his roster. So like those guys drove the bus and I think that's something that you need if you want to win. And right now, if you're thinking about Edmonton, they're in a win it now mode. I think that's why they made the decision. And he's going to be good for a lot of those top notch guys.”
That distinction fits the larger conversation around Edmonton's hire. Former players have offered sharply different accounts of working under Babcock, making his return one of the NHL's most closely watched coaching stories.
Still, Smith believes the hockey side can work. His endorsement focused on preparation, tactical detail and the ability to keep a roster fully engaged.
That is exactly where the pressure sits for Babcock. Edmonton doesn't need another offseason speech about potential; it needs a coach capable of squeezing more from a roster already built around championship expectations.
Smith stopped short of predicting how the season will unfold. But after experiencing Babcock firsthand, he sees a possible fit between a demanding coach and an Oilers team with little interest in waiting.
Source : 'Babcock taught me a ton': Veteran player likes coach's chances with Edmonton Oilers
Will Mike Babcock's demanding style make the Oilers better this season?
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