Mike Babcock’s arrival in Edmonton has raised questions about how much ice time Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will receive. Some expect the new Oilers coach to reduce their workload, but the change may be smaller than many assume.
Jason Gregor pushed back on that idea while discussing Babcock’s approach to the Edmonton Oilers stars. He pointed to Babcock’s 2008 Detroit Red Wings team, where Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg averaged 22 and 21 minutes.
“Everyone’s, ‘Oh yeah, McDavid and Draisaitl are all going to play less minutes,’” Gregor said. “… I think we have to have a discussion on what’s way less, like 21 minutes?”
Gregor does not expect either Edmonton star to fall into the 19-to-20-minute range. “I don’t see them being around 19 or 20. I just don’t. I got to see that to believe it,” he added.
McDavid averaged 23:00 per game last season while leading the NHL with 138 points. Draisaitl averaged 21:35 while producing 97 points across 65 games.
Mike Babcock can reduce minutes without limiting impact
Babcock’s preference for defined roles could allow Edmonton to manage its stars differently. More trust in the middle six would reduce the need to rely on McDavid and Draisaitl during every situation.
That does not mean Edmonton should take its best players away from important moments. Their offensive value remains too significant, especially during close games and late-period situations.
The key could instead involve reducing unnecessary minutes earlier in games. If Edmonton builds leads, Babcock can lean on his depth while keeping McDavid and Draisaitl fresher.
That approach would fit Gregor’s comparison with Detroit. The Red Wings still received elite production from their stars without pushing them toward extreme workloads.
MORE: Rangers have ‘always had an eye’ on Connor McDavid, says Mike Rupp
Expect around 21-22 minutes for Edmonton Oilers’ stars
McDavid could see his average drop from 23 minutes to roughly 21:30-22:00. Draisaitl could remain around 21 minutes, with both players receiving heavier workloads when games demand them.
The change would matter most over an 84-game regular season. Edmonton needs its stars healthy and effective when the postseason arrives.
Babcock also has another structural option by using McDavid and Draisaitl together more often. That could create dominant stretches while allowing Edmonton to distribute minutes more efficiently elsewhere.
For the Oilers, this is less about limiting their stars and more about using them with greater purpose. Gregor’s point is important: a reduction to 21 minutes is meaningful, but hardly a dramatic change.
MORE: Oilers’ lack of elite ‘shooting winger’ could open door for Isaac Howard
If Babcock manages that balance correctly, McDavid and Draisaitl should remain among Edmonton’s most heavily used players. Their minutes may fall slightly, but their importance will not.
