One Current Oiler Will Be Key To Mike Babcock’s Success

With Mike Babcock now behind Edmonton’s bench as the new head coach, it will be a first-time experience for much of the roster. However, despite Babcock not being in the game for years, it turns out this isn’t uncharted territory for the entire roster. Three current Oilers have direct history playing under him, all dating back to his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015 to 2019.

For fans playing NHL fantasy hockey, one player might be someone you take high in your draft.

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Zach Hyman played several seasons under Babcock in Toronto before later joining Edmonton, giving him the longest and most recent relationship with the new coach of anyone on the roster. Kasperi Kapanen also came up through Toronto’s system during that same era, while goaltender Frederik Andersen served as Toronto’s starter for virtually the entirety of Babcock’s run there.

So who’s best positioned to thrive under him again?

Andersen Will Get a Long Look, But Hyman is the Clear Answer

Beyond simply having played for Babcock the longest, Hyman’s game is practically built for the style of game Babcock wants the Oilers to take on. He demands a relentless work ethic, structure, and accountability, and Hyman’s high-motor, net-front, two-way ability lines up almost perfectly with what Babcock values in a player.

He was also directly involved in the hiring process, so the coach is well aware he owes this opportunity to the forward.

Hyman is already well established in Edmonton’s pecking order, so it’s not as though he’s suddenly going to get elevated minutes. However, he might see more steady time on the top line. He could be given the more offensive starts and prime opportunties.

Kapanen’s fit is murkier given his up-and-down NHL track record, and while Andersen’s familiarity should help behind the scenes, he’s not pegged to play anywhere near the same number of games as he did under Babcock previously.

For Hyman, though, this isn’t a fresh start under an unfamiliar voice — it’s a return to a coach who already knows exactly what he can provide, and vice versa. Only now, Hyman is even more trusted to take on the bigger, tougher assignments. When he left Toronto, there was only chatter about how good he could be. He’s proven it since his arrival in Edmonton. Babcock will recognize it.

That kind of established trust could make him one of the most important pieces in determining whether Babcock’s tenure in Edmonton gets off on the right foot.

Next: Which Leftover Free Agent Makes the Most Sense for the Oilers?