Leon Draisaitl welcomes a demanding new era in Edmonton, embracing Mike Babcock’s blunt brand of discipline to erase complacency and forge a championship identity for the superstar-heavy roster.
Just as Connor McDavid did earlier this summer, Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl isn't shying away from what a new coaching voice means in Edmonton.
Speaking at the European Player Media Tour, Draisaitl made clear he sees Mike Babcock's approach as something the group specifically needs. This goes beyond a stylistic change. What Babcock brings is more than Xs and Os. A change in how the team prioritizes accountability might be the X-factor in its success in 2026-27.
Draisaitl explained:
"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?" Draisaitl added, "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."
If the Oilers need a little tough love, Draisaitl believes Babcock is the guy to give it to them.
“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.”
Draisaitl, like other Oilers, was frustrated with the way the 2025-26 season went. “I do think that we never were able to really grab and find our game throughout 82 games,” Draisaitl said. He understood complacency might be a factor, but this team wants to win too badly to let it become an issue.
“You see it every year: the teams that are good- there’s a pattern that they create and build over 82 games. They know what their game is. And I think we kind of missed that. We never really found what we were as a group.” McDavid talked about it with Jon Cooper and the way he pushed the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Carolina Hurricanes clearly have a way of playing under Rod Brind'Amour that works. They won the Stanley Cup in 2026. The Oilers want more of that expected commitment to playing the right way. Babcock will bring the system and hold everyone to a higher standard.
Whether that buy-in holds once the season turns tense will be the real test.
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