It's not every day that you hear positive remarks about former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, but an Edmonton Oilers superstar is clearly excited to be coached by him. There's no denying that Babcock helped the development of the Leafs as he took a last-place team to the playoffs in one year, but at what cost? With mind-tricks and a true hatability, Babcock does not seem like a guy that many players would want on their side every night.
However that statement isn't true in Edmonton, as the star players are excited for his arrival, as shown by this quote from Leon Draisaitl (via. TSN.ca)
“I think he’s got a very clear plan, and I think he holds guys accountable, and I think to him, it’s not about who it is when it comes to accountability, you know?
Like, 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. I don’t think ‘Babs’ is going to care overly much who we are in terms of that. I think sometimes that’s needed.”
As much as it doesn't seem like Babcock has been a great person over the years, it's actually hard not to agree with Draisaitl here. If there was ever a team that needed a shot in the arm to get over the hump, it's the Oilers.
Oilers star has high praise for former Leafs coach
Connor McDavid is the best player in the world, but needs a Stanley Cup ring more than anyone in the league. After losing multiple Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers need to take whatever measure to make sure that this team is coached hard from October to April, but peak in the spring.
Babcock is a proven winner with multiple Stanley Cup Finals appearances himself, so he knows that grind and also understands that this isn't going to be a long assignment. Even if the team does with a championship, it's possible that Babcock leaves after one year because that's all the players can take.
At 29-years-old, it may seem like McDavid and Draisaitl have a lot of time left. However, with only two years remaining on his contract, it's quite possible that he'll be on a new team before we know it.
The Leafs changes this summer are obviously a huge storyline, but besides that, there isn't a much more interesting story than Babcock returning to the NHL, and I can't wait to see what happens.
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