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Mike Babcock returned to NHL coaching on Thursday, leading his first on-ice practice as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. The session was split into two groups of roughly 20 players each, with each group skating for approximately two hours. Babcock described the day as a learning experience for everyone involved, including himself.
Babcock Sets the Tone Early
After the sessions wrapped up, Babcock spoke to reporters and made clear he was not ready to draw any conclusions about his roster. “My feet hurt right now,” he said. “I don’t know enough to actually talk even as long as I just talked. I’m just going to keep watching.”
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He outlined his early priorities for the team. “We’re going to play without the puck,” he said. “In order to play here, you’ve got to be fit. I think it’s important you establish a standard for what’s accepted and everybody knows.”
Babcock also emphasized that all 12 forwards would have an important role. He added that he hopes to have a clearer picture of the team after a few exhibition games.
A Return After Controversy
Babcock’s path back to the NHL was not straightforward. He resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, less than three months after taking the job. His requests for personal photos from players drew widespread criticism. Many viewed the requests as an invasion of privacy, though Babcock said at the time he was simply trying to get to know his players.
The NHL later concluded its investigation into his conduct. After receiving clearance to coach again, Babcock signed with Edmonton this spring. The Oilers had fired head coach Kris Knoblauch before Knoblauch’s new three-year contract even began.
Babcock said Thursday that he was not actively seeking a return to coaching. “If they hadn’t come and talked to me, it’s not like I was looking for work,” he said. “When I see my deer pictures in the morning, I can’t believe I’m doing this as a matter of fact.” He noted he would have been bow hunting for deer on his property in Ohio had the Oilers not reached out.
McDavid and Draisaitl Factor Into Decision
Babcock credited the Oilers’ leadership group for drawing him back. He said Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman convinced him the team is serious about winning a championship. “They told me what they want,” he said. “Now that’s my job, to make sure they get what they want.”
On the question of how he plans to use McDavid and Draisaitl, Babcock said he intends to start with both players on the same line. That mirrors how the two played together last season. However, he was careful not to commit to any firm lineup decisions. “I don’t have any yet,” he said. “I’m just going to watch them.”
Players React Positively to Opening Day
Draisaitl described the first practice as intense and detail-focused. “He’s energetic. He wants things done a certain way, and he wants it done right,” Draisaitl said. “Details are great. He cares about the little things, so it was a good first day.”
Draisaitl also acknowledged that adjusting to a new coach takes time. “It takes a week for him to get used to us and us to learn the drills,” he said. “It was uptempo. It was great.”
Defenceman Ryan Shea, who signed a five-year free agent contract with Edmonton this summer, echoed those comments. He said Babcock’s message on day one was clear. “Everything was upbeat. He wanted everything quick and just the little things — like finishing the drill, stopping at the net — everything that it takes to be a good player and a good team,” Shea said. “He was harping on that a little bit.”
Overall, the opening camp session under Babcock appeared to set a high-tempo, detail-driven standard. As the Oilers work through the preseason, both coach and players will have time to adjust before the games begin to count.
