Edmonton Oilers’ Draisaitl backs Babcock hire, expects accountability

By Liam Tremblay — 21 August 2026 — 4 min read

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has expressed support for the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach, despite Babcock’s history. Draisaitl believes Babcock will bring a new attitude and mentality to the team, which he feels is precisely what the Oilers require at this time. He noted that the team is eager to be coached and improve under Babcock’s guidance.

Draisaitl highlighted Babcock’s reputation for holding players accountable, stating that the coach’s approach is not dependent on who the player is. He acknowledged that even he, like any other player, might deserve to be challenged verbally. This perspective suggests Draisaitl anticipates a demanding environment, which he views as beneficial for the team’s development.

Babcock’s Coaching Style and Past

Babcock’s return to the National Hockey League follows a period away from coaching, with his last NHL coaching stint prior to 2019. His resume includes winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and securing Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in both 2010 and 2014. He is known for his old-school, hard-nosed coaching style.

The decision to hire Babcock by the Oilers generated considerable discussion, particularly due to his previous departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Babcock resigned from the Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching a single game, following accusations of invading players’ privacy. The NHL conducted an investigation after the Oilers showed interest in hiring him, ultimately clearing him to return to the league.

Babcock’s coaching methods have drawn both praise and criticism. In 2019, Johan Franzen, who played under Babcock with the Red Wings from 2005-15, accused him of verbal abuse, describing him as “the worst person I have ever met.” During his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Babcock reportedly asked rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates by work ethic and then shared the list with the rest of the team.

Player Perspectives on Babcock

Despite some of the controversies, other players have spoken positively about Babcock’s impact. Brendan Smith, a defenceman who played for Babcock with the Red Wings from 2011-15, recalled learning a significant amount from him. Smith described Babcock’s practices as high-tempo and praised his strategic and tactical thinking, particularly his “X’s and O’s” and in-game adjustments.

Smith noted that while Babcock’s approach could be challenging and demanding, he always knew where he stood with the coach. This clarity, according to Smith, helped him understand what kind of player he needed to be to succeed on Babcock’s roster. Smith believes that Babcock’s ability to drive the team and ensure everyone is committed is a necessary quality for a winning organization, especially for a team like Edmonton that is in a “win it now” mode.

The Oilers had reached the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive seasons with Kris Knoblauch as coach but dismissed him after a first-round exit in the most recent season. The team’s leadership group, including players like Connor McDavid, is reportedly committed to the “Mike Babcock experience,” indicating a willingness to embrace his demanding style in pursuit of success.

Smith, currently rehabbing a knee injury with the aim of playing another year for the Blue Jackets, expressed curiosity about how Babcock’s tenure with the Oilers will unfold. He acknowledged that there are both pros and cons to every situation but suggested that it “could be a good fit” for the team.

The Oilers’ decision to bring in Babcock reflects a desire for a coach who can instill a high level of accountability and strategic discipline, as articulated by Draisaitl and supported by Smith’s past experience.

Draisaitl’s comments underscore a belief within the Oilers that Babcock’s demanding approach, including potential verbal challenges, is a necessary component for the team to improve and achieve its goals. The team is looking for a coach with a clear plan who will hold everyone responsible, regardless of their status.

The veteran player Brendan Smith highlighted Babcock’s elite understanding of the game, stating that he sees the game at a high level and drives the bus for his team. Smith’s experience with Babcock emphasized the coach’s ability to get players to win, even if it came with a demanding environment.

The Oilers’ commitment to Babcock suggests a strategic move to leverage his proven track record of success, including his Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medals, to push the team towards championship contention. The players, including Draisaitl and McDavid, appear ready to embrace the challenges that come with Babcock’s coaching style.

This move follows the Oilers’ recent first-round exit after two consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, indicating a desire for a significant change in leadership to achieve ultimate success.

Source: thescore.com