Connor McDavid believes head coach Mike Babcock brings exactly what the Edmonton Oilers need after another painful playoff exit.
McDavid addressed the coaching change Monday during the 7th Zach Hyman Celebrity Classic at Oakdale Country Club in Toronto.
"You name it, he's done it. It's a great opportunity for us players to be coached by somebody like him," said the Oilers captain.
The conversation covered several subjects, including Darnell Nurse's departure and Gavin McKenna's future in Toronto. But Babcock's arrival produced McDavid's strongest response.
"We see a great opportunity to be coached by someone who's coached in every big game there is."
Edmonton's players expect Babcock's experience, demanding approach and established identity to push a talented locker room that has repeatedly fallen short of its ultimate goal.
The Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2 of the past 3 seasons but couldn't finish the job. A first-round exit this spring made a coaching change unavoidable.
Oilers stars wanted a different voice: Mike Babcock
Kris Knoblauch was dismissed after his calm approach stopped producing the response Edmonton needed. He once matched the group well, but the bench required a sharper edge.
Babcock arrives with baggage, yet his direct style appears to be what McDavid and Edmonton's leadership group wanted heading into a pressure-filled season.
Leon Draisaitl also publicly supported the move and made it clear that the Oilers believe Babcock can help them take the final step.
"I think he's the right guy to get us to where we want to get to. Obviously, it's a different look, a change in personality, but very excited to learn from him, work with him"
That change in personality could reshape Edmonton's practices, accountability and game-to-game preparation. The Oilers aren't searching for patience after another early playoff collapse.
McDavid added, “Where our group's at, what we're looking for, it's the perfect fit. He's not gonna need to come in and find who he is as a coach or find himself in those situations. He knows what he's about as a coach. It's our job as players to be ready to go.”
"You name it, he's done it. It's a great opportunity for us players to be coached by somebody like him," said the Oilers captain.
Is Mike Babcock the coach who can finally push Edmonton over the top?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Major trade development and it appears to be a blockbuster out of Detroit
