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Leon Draisaitl Reacts to Oilers Hiring Mike Babcock as Head Coach

2026-06-26 · Leon Draisaitl · Player Focus

Leon Draisaitl Reacts to Oilers Hiring Mike Babcock as Head Coach

Leon Draisaitl expressed his enthusiasm for the Edmonton Oilers' hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach. On the team's decision, Draisaitl stated he's 'really excited' to work with Babcock.

What Happened?

The Oilers hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach, a move that has garnered mixed reactions from fans and the media. Babcock's past controversies, including allegations of looking into players' cell phone devices, have raised concerns about his suitability for the role.

The Oilers' players, including Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, reportedly wanted Babcock to be their head coach. After the NHL cleared Babcock during their investigation, the team made the hire official.

Why It Matters for Leon Draisaitl

Draisaitl believes that Babcock will 'make us better' and demand the most out of each player. He's looking forward to being challenged by the new coach and becoming a better hockey player.

Babcock's coaching style is expected to be demanding, but Draisaitl welcomes the challenge. He wants to help the team win and is eager to work with Babcock to achieve this goal.

What Comes Next?

The Oilers' decision to hire Babcock is a high-risk move that could pay off if the team wins the Stanley Cup. However, if they fail to perform, the hire could be highly scrutinized, potentially costing Oilers GM Stan Bowman his job.

The spotlight will be on Babcock this season as he tries to take the Oilers to the next level. Draisaitl and McDavid are eager to capture their first Stanley Cup, and Babcock's coaching will be crucial in achieving this goal.

Draisaitl's reaction to the hiring suggests that he's committed to working with Babcock and helping the team succeed. With the new coach on board, the Oilers are looking to make a strong push for the Stanley Cup.

The team's performance will be closely watched, and Babcock's ability to deliver results will be under scrutiny. Draisaitl's enthusiasm for the new coach is a positive sign, but only time will tell if the hire pays off.

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