Leon Draisaitl is putting his full support behind Mike Babcock heading into a new era in Edmonton.
The Oilers captain-in-waiting told TSN this week that his team is "looking to be coached" under the incoming head coach next season.
"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 said.
"I don't think Babs is going to care overly much who we are in terms of that," he added, referencing Babcock's reputation for demanding accountability.
Draisaitl finished this past season with 97 points in 65 games, including 35 goals and a plus-13 rating. He was even sharper down the stretch.
Over his final ten games, he posted 15 points, four goals and 11 assists. His playoff run added 10 more points across just six contests.
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Draisaitl welcomes Babcock's tough coaching style in Edmonton
That's the kind of production most teams build their entire identity around. And now the league's premier scorer is publicly signing off on a demanding new voice behind the bench.
It's a notable statement given Babcock's history. Coaches with his reputation don't always land smoothly with star-heavy rosters, but Draisaitl isn't hedging here.
Edmonton finished last season 41-30-11, good for 93 points and a plus-13 goal differential. Solid, but a team many expected more from given the talent up front.
That gap between talent and results is exactly what Babcock's arrival is supposed to close. Draisaitl's comments suggest the room is at least open to the message.
Getting star buy-in before a single practice happens is no small thing. Locker rooms can turn on a demanding coach fast if the stars push back early.
Draisaitl clearly isn't planning on being that problem. Whether the rest of the room follows his lead is the real story once camp actually opens.
Edmonton's ceiling has never been the question. What Babcock does with that talent, and how the room responds to being pushed, will define this season fast.
Will Mike Babcock's coaching style get the Oilers over the top this season?
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