Mike Babcock, the newly hired head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, expressed confidence that the team's players are fully behind him, stating they are 'all in' on his leadership. The announcement was made during a news conference in Edmonton on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Babcock's Return to Coaching
Babcock, a veteran NHL coach with a Stanley Cup win and multiple Olympic gold medals, takes over the Oilers after a period away from the bench. He emphasized that the players have shown strong commitment to his system and philosophy. 'They're all in on what we're trying to build,' Babcock said. 'The buy-in has been fantastic.'
The Oilers, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have struggled to advance deep into the playoffs in recent years. Babcock's hiring is seen as a move to bring discipline and a winning culture to the team.
Player Reactions and Team Dynamics
According to Babcock, the players have been receptive during initial meetings, with many expressing eagerness to adapt to his coaching style. 'We've had great conversations about accountability and structure,' he noted. 'They want to win, and they're willing to do what it takes.'
The Oilers organization hopes Babcock's experience will help the team overcome its postseason shortcomings. General Manager Ken Holland praised the hire, citing Babcock's track record of success.
Looking Ahead
Babcock's first season with the Oilers is expected to begin with training camp in September. The team will aim to build on its regular-season performance and make a deeper playoff run under his guidance.
