Mike Babcock has the full backing of Leon Draisaitl as Edmonton prepares for a new era.
This week, the Oilers captain-in-waiting informed TSN that his squad is “looking to be coached” by the next head coach.
“We’re looking to be trained. We’re looking to improve, and occasionally I, like everyone else, deserve to be screamed at,” Draisaitl remarked.
“I don’t believe Babs will be overly concerned about who we are in relation to that,” he continued, citing Babcock’s reputation for requiring accountability.
With 35 goals and a plus-13 rating, Draisaitl ended the previous season with 97 points in 65 games. He was considerably sharper toward the conclusion of the game.
In his final ten games, he racked up 15 points with four goals and eleven assists. In just six games during his playoff run, he scored an extra ten points.
Babcock’s tough coaching methods are welcomed by Draisaitl in Edmonton.
Most teams base their entire identity on that sort of production. And now the league’s top scorer is openly approving a demanding new voice behind the bench.
Considering Babcock’s history, it’s a noteworthy remark. With his track record, coaches don’t always go over well with rosters full of stars, but Draisaitl isn’t taking any chances here.
With a plus-13 goal differential and 93 points, Edmonton completed the previous campaign 41-30-11. Team with a lot of skill up front, but also a lot of expectation.
Babcock’s arrival is intended to close that disparity between talent and outcomes. The room seems receptive to the message, at least according to Draisaitl’s remarks.
It is no small achievement to gain star buy-in prior to even one practice. If the players push back early, locker rooms can quickly switch to a tough coach.
Clearly, Draisaitl has no intention of being that issue. Whether the rest of the room follows his lead is the real issue once camp truly opens.
The ceiling in Edmonton has never been an issue. This season will be quickly defined by how the room reacts to being pushed and what Babcock accomplishes with that talent.
