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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Connor McDavid calls Mike Babcock hire ‘great opportunity’ for Oilers
Connor McDavid has publicly backed the Edmonton Oilers ‘ decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. The captain addressed the move during Zach Hyman’s annual charity golf tournament on Monday.
Babcock’s hiring remains one of the NHL ‘s most debated offseason decisions. His return followed league and NHLPA scrutiny over allegations from his brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.
Despite that history, McDavid believes Edmonton is adding one of hockey’s most accomplished coaches.
“Yeah, I think that’s what obviously we see,” McDavid said when asked about Babcock being a proven winner. “We see a great opportunity to be coached by someone who’s coached in every single big game there is to coach in.”
He continued, “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.”
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The Oilers are coming off a disappointing 2025-26 season. Edmonton finished 41-30-11 before losing in six games to the Anaheim Ducks in the opening playoff round. McDavid still led the NHL with 138 points, while defensive inconsistency and goaltending problems derailed the team.
General manager Stan Bowman responded with sweeping changes. He replaced Kris Knoblauch with Babcock and reshaped the roster through trades and free agency.
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (second from left) celebrates with teammates at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images McDavid said Babcock’s experience makes him the right coach for a veteran group chasing the Stanley Cup.
“With where our group’s at and what we’re looking for, he’s the perfect fit,” McDavid said.
“He’s not going to need to come in and find who he is as a coach or find himself in those situations,” McDavid added. “He knows what he’s about as a coach, and it’s our job as players to be ready to go.”
Those comments carry weight because Edmonton’s leadership group reportedly met with Babcock before the hiring. Management has repeatedly stated that veteran players supported the move despite public criticism.
So, McDavid’s endorsement signals confidence in the team’s direction. Babcock’s resume includes a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals, and 700 NHL coaching victories.
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Questions about his leadership style will remain until games begin. However, the Oilers appear focused on results above all else. With McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime, Edmonton believes an experienced coach gives the franchise its best chance to return to Stanley Cup contention.
Connor McDavidMike BabcockOilersEdmonton OilersZach Hyman’sBabcock’sNHLNHLPAColumbus Blue JacketsDespiteMcDavidEdmonton
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