Leon Draisaitl made his view of Mike Babcock clear before Oilers camp, praising the new head coach's direct approach.
The Edmonton Oilers star spoke after Thursday's captain's skate, and one answer stood out as training camp approaches.
“He's just so clear,” Draisaitl said when asked about Babcock. That communication style has already made an impression inside the locker room.
Draisaitl also described Babcock as someone who won't hesitate to deliver his message directly. “He's a real man about it,” he added.
That matters for an Oilers group entering a new chapter behind the bench. Babcock was hired on June 23, replacing Kris Knoblauch and bringing a different voice into Edmonton.
There could also be changes in how Edmonton's forward combinations are handled. Draisaitl expects some movement, but potentially less constant shuffling than the Oilers used before.
Oilers could find more stability under Babcock
“I do expect a little bit more of it this year,” Draisaitl said when discussing possible stability in the lines. Edmonton's roster flexibility still means Babcock can move pieces when needed.
The bigger message from Draisaitl was about building something sustainable during the regular season instead of searching for answers once the playoffs arrive.
Edmonton had a longer summer this time, giving players extra recovery time after years of deep postseason pushes. Draisaitl sees value in that break, even if it isn't what the group ultimately wants.
“Short summers are a great sign,” he said. The goal now is using training camp and the regular season to establish an identity that can hold up when the schedule tightens.
Goaltending will be another major camp storyline, with Frederik Andersen unavailable to start the season and Tristan Jarry getting an early opportunity to re-establish himself.
Draisaitl believes the Oilers have options in the crease and sounded encouraged by what he has heard about Jarry's offseason work.
But the biggest early takeaway surrounds Babcock. Draisaitl is already buying into the coach's direct communication, and Edmonton will soon find out how that translates once camp decisions begin.
Will Mike Babcock's direct approach make the Oilers better?
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