Edmonton Oilers stars support Mike Babcock amid criticism
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 15, 2026, 4:10 AM
Last updated Sep 15, 2026
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers expressed support for newly hired head coach Mike Babcock, following the team's organizational changes this offseason. Babcock replaces Kris Knoblauch, who led the team to two consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025. Their endorsements have drawn backlash from media personalities, highlighting controversies from Babcock's past coaching tenure. Draisaitl mentioned the need for accountability and a fresh perspective in the Oilers' approach. Training camp begins this week as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
- •Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl back Mike Babcock's hiring as head coach.
- •Babcock replaces Kris Knoblauch after two Stanley Cup Final appearances.
- •Criticism of Babcock arises from his controversial coaching history.
- •Draisaitl emphasizes the need for accountability and a different mentality.
- •Oilers begin training camp this week.
- 4:10 AMYahoo Sports — Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl Face Backlash Over Mike Babcock Comments
"As part of the major organizational changes for the Edmonton Oilers this offseason, general manager Stan Bowman hired controversial former Stanley Cup-winning head coach Mike Babcock to replace Kris Knoblauch, who was terminated.Knoblauch, despite coaching the Oilers to consecutive berths in the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025, wasn’t given the chance to coach […] The post Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl Face Backlash Over Mike Babcock Comments appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NHL•Sep 15, 2026, 1:02 AMAuston Matthews Given Clear Playoff Warning Before Maple Leafs Season
NHL•Sep 15, 2026, 12:23 AMDarren Raddysh Opens Up Maple Leafs Move: ‘Not Sure It’s Sunk In’
NHL•Sep 14, 2026, 10:24 PMCarolina Hurricanes Young Star Reportedly Firm in Trade Request
NHL•Sep 14, 2026, 8:54 PMNHL rumors: Ducks' Cutter Gauthier contract gets Pierre LeBrun prediction
NHL•Sep 14, 2026, 3:45 PMMontreal Canadiens make statement with coaching decision
NHL•Sep 14, 2026, 3:24 PMBig NHL changes coming as new CBA deadline nears