Leon Draisaitl Explains Why Mike Babcock is Right Fit for Oilers

Draisaitl Endorses Babcock's Accountability-First Approach

Speaking at the European Player Media Tour, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl publicly endorsed the team's decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach, citing the veteran coach's clear plan and insistence on accountability as exactly what the club needs.

"I think he's got a very clear plan, and I think he holds guys accountable, and I think to him, it's not about who it is when it comes to accountability," Draisaitl said, as reported by multiple outlets including TSN and Heavy. "We're looking to be coached. We're looking to get better, and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does."

Draisaitl added that Babcock will bring "a different attitude and a different mentality to our group," which he called "exactly what we need right now." The 30-year-old German centre said he has spoken with Babcock several times this summer and described the upcoming season as a new beginning.

Coaching Change After Playoff Disappointment

The Oilers dismissed Kris Knoblauch after a first-round loss to the Anaheim Ducks, a season in which Edmonton finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record but never found consistent form. The team had reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025, making the early exit particularly stinging.

Draisaitl admitted the Oilers "never really found what we were as a group" during the 2025-26 campaign and were further hindered by injuries in the postseason. He also noted that the team won more than two consecutive games only twice all season, a stat highlighted by Yardbarker.

The decision to bring in Babcock was announced by general manager Stan Bowman. According to reports, the Oilers interviewed management and the team's leadership group before making the hire, and players spoke with Babcock beforehand. Draisaitl described those conversations: "We asked all of the hard questions that media would probably ask him, too... He had some very honest feedback on us, too. It was a very honest, productive meeting, and it was very on the table. There was no beating around the bush."

Babcock's Past and League Clearance

Babcock's return to the NHL comes after a controversial exit from the league in 2023. He was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets that July but resigned in September after allegations that he asked players to share personal photos from their mobile devices, as reported by the Spittin' Chiclets podcast.

The NHL completed a review of Babcock's tenure with Columbus and stated: "The League has completed its review... there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League." The NHL Players' Association echoed that position, saying that while it found the allegations "very concerning," the league had decided there was no basis for restrictions.

Babcock was cleared in June, and the Oilers subsequently hired him. His coaching resume includes a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008, two Olympic gold medals with Canada, and 700 regular-season victories. He also played 700 NHL games, the 12th most in league history, as noted by The Times of India.

Support from Oilers Core

Draisaitl is not alone in his support. Connor McDavid has described Babcock as the "perfect fit" for the Oilers, and Zach Hyman has also voiced his backing. According to reports, Babcock met with McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman before the hiring.

The players' endorsement was a key factor in the decision, with Heavy reporting that the Oilers' top players wanted Babcock because they believe he will hold the team accountable. Draisaitl echoed that sentiment, saying, "I think to him, it's not about who it is when it comes to accountability."

##

Babcock's arrival is expected to bring a more structured, defensively responsible system. Yardbarker notes that his teams have traditionally emphasized structure, puck management, and defensive responsibility, which could address Edmonton's inconsistency. The coach may also adjust player deployment, potentially reducing penalty-killing responsibilities for McDavid and Draisaitl and defining clearer roles for the bottom six.

The Oilers have already made roster moves this summer, moving out Darnell Nurse and bringing in goaltender Frederik Andersen, as reported by TSN. Draisaitl commented on the changes: "Sometimes, change is needed and for both sides."

With Babcock at the helm and the core intact, the Oilers are considered one of the favorites for the 2026-27 Stanley Cup, listed at +800 odds by DraftKings Sportsbook, the fourth-highest in the league. Draisaitl, who recorded 35 goals and 97 points in 65 games last season, is looking forward to the reset.

"I think he's going to bring something different, a different look," Draisaitl said. "Everyone's very excited about it and looking forward to working with him."