Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl believes new head coach Mike Babcock can bring the accountability the team lacked last NHL season. Draisaitl also believes Babcock will not hesitate to challenge Edmonton’s biggest stars.
“I think he’s got a very clear plan, and I think he holds guys accountable,” Draisaitl said during the European Player Media Tour. “To him, it’s not about who it is when it comes to accountability.”
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That approach could matter for Draisaitl and Connor McDavid after Edmonton exited the playoffs in the first round. The Oilers finished 41-30-11 before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in six games.
Edmonton had reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of the previous two seasons. The latest playoff exit forced the organization to examine whether its structure matched the talent on the roster.
Draisaitl openly welcomed stronger coaching from Babcock. “We’re looking to be coached. We’re looking to get better,” he said. “Connor and I sometimes deserve (to be yelled at) too, just like anyone else does.”
Mike Babcock must turn accountability into results for Oilers
Babcock brings significant experience managing star-heavy teams. He coached the Detroit Red Wings to the 2008 Stanley Cup and guided Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.
Draisaitl believes that background could help Edmonton establish clearer standards. “I don’t think ‘Babs’ is going to care overly much who we are,” Draisaitl said. “I think sometimes that’s needed.”
Personally, I think accountability only matters if it improves Edmonton’s five-on-five structure and defensive consistency. The Oilers possess enough elite talent, but their recent playoff results show that talent alone has not been enough.
Babcock also inherits two players who understand the pressure of deep playoff runs. McDavid and Draisaitl must lead the response while accepting that their own games require scrutiny.
The biggest question will be whether Babcock’s demanding style creates consistency without disrupting Edmonton’s offensive identity. For the Oilers, that balance could determine whether another championship opportunity arrives.
