Leon Draisaitl Is Ready for Mike Babcock to Hold Oilers Stars Accountable

The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to hire, and quite frankly even consider hiring, Mike Babcock as their new head coach this summer drew tons of scrutiny around the hockey world for various reasons.

---

While that was understandable, what remained a constant throughout the process was that Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and the Oilers’ core were all in on Babcock, no matter what the outside world thought.

McDavid has since spoken on it, reassuringly so, and during the European Player Media Tour on Friday, it was Draisaitl’s turn to back the move, making it clear that Edmonton’s stars want to be held accountable.

Draisaitl said:

“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.

I think he’s just going to bring a different attitude and a different mentality to our group. I think it’s exactly what we need right now. I think he’s going to bring something different, a different look. Everyone’s very excited about it and looking forward to working with him,”

The 30-year-old Draisaitl is coming off another tremendously productive campaign, having racked up 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in just 65 games played.

Babcock has had his issues and his history is well documented, but he’s also known as one of the best minds in hockey and has a Stanley Cup and two Olympic gold medals to back it up.

For Draisaitl and McDavid, all that matters now is winning, and they’ve made it clear they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Babcock has won, and because of that, he’ll have their full attention and respect from the jump in Edmonton.

Next: Chaos in Pronman’s U23 List — Stunning Drops, Wild Snubs, and Furious Fanbases