Why Leon Draisaitl backs Mike Babcock as Oilers coach for 2026-27 NHL season
Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has publicly supported the hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach for the 2026-27 NHL season. Draisaitl believes Babcock's focus on accountability and structure is exactly what the team needs to return to Stanley Cup contention.
Why it matters
The hiring of a high-profile, controversial coach like Babcock signals a major strategic shift for a team looking to maximize its championship window.
Leon Draisaitl has spoken out in support of Mike Babcock ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, making his position on the new Edmonton Oilers coach clear. “Babcock is a direct coach and holds players accountable, and that is something Edmonton needs,” Draisaitl said during the European Player Media Tour.The Oilers dismissed Kris Knoblauch after they lost to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs and brought in Babcock. Edmonton had reached the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons, and the shakeup behind the bench was a major storyline heading into the new campaign.What Leon Draisaitl expects from Mike Babcock’s Edmonton OilersLeon Draisaitl expects Mike Babcock to bring accountability, structure and a different mentality to the Edmonton Oilers.Babcock has a plan; he’s going to hold guys accountable regardless of who they are, Draisaitl said.
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