Edmonton Oilers
Oilers Newest Signings Talk About Extensions, Playing Under Babcock
Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson both talked about re-signing with the Edmonton OIlers and possibly playing under Mike Babcock.
Both Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson are bothered in the least by the fact that they might have signed up to play the next several seasons on an Edmonton Oilers team that could be coached by one of the most polarizing coaches in the NHL. It’s possible each just committed to playing under Mike Babcock, but neither has an issue with it.
When asked about the speculation that Babcock might be coming in with baggage, Murphy responded, “It’s hard for us to speculate” after our minds have been on signing and staying with the team. He added, “I think just in general, the one thing I feel about the team we’ve been a part of there is being more of a veteran group, a very mature group. I feel like whatever coach comes in, whatever they try to implement accountability-wise, or structure-wise, or discipline, I think guys will handle it and I think guys really want to be coached. Anything I think that’s thrown this team’s way, they’re going to really grasp it and try to get the best of each other with whatever’s given.”
Dickinson added, “Whoever the coach may be, obviously, you speak of the speculation of Babcock. If he’s reinstated by the league, then he’s welcome to coach in the league; there are no concerns about that. It’s exciting that it’s a possibility; he has a great track record. He’s won some big tournaments for Canada and he’s done well for himself.”
Both players also talked about wanting to finish what they started in Edmonton, even though both were only with the group for a short time. Each felt comfortable, but neither was happy with the way things ended last season. Each will play a big defensive role on the team, and they know they’ll be counted on to fill those holes and allow the top offensive guys to excel in offensive roles.
Dickinson said specifically that he’s proud of the fact he can fill whatever role his line needs. When he scored 22 goals in Chicago, it was because his line needed a shooter. He shot the puck. If his line needs a more defensive guy, that’s the role he plays. They were signed and brought back because they can handle the role of not letting the other team score.
Murphy said his role isn’t likely to change. If Darnell Nurse is traded, he’s still not going to change his game, but he still hopes to get the best out of his game. He thinks he can find ways to be more effective and help the team in better ways than he ever has. He added that he thought he could do that in Edmonton, where the environment is built to help an athlete reach their maximum potential.
Next: Insider Reveals Details of Intense Meeting Between Oilers and Babcock
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
More News
