Before the 2026-27 season begins, Connor McDavid has embraced a dramatic shift in the Edmonton Oilers’ direction. He is backing new head coach Mike Babcock to reshape the team’s identity.
The Oilers hired Babcock as the 19th head coach in franchise history after a frustrating 2025-26 campaign. Edmonton finished 41-30-11 before suffering a six-game first-round elimination against Anaheim despite entering the playoffs with Stanley Cup expectations.
Speaking to Sportsnet, McDavid argued that repeating the same formula no longer made sense after their disappointing playoff exit.
“The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result,” McDavid said. “Babs is different. He gives us a different personality, a different approach to our group, and an approach that we’ve probably have never had.”
McDavid also welcomed the tactical changes that Babcock plans to introduce. “We've tried it the same way for a really long time. Let's try it different,” he said. That approach includes reducing the workload on McDavid and Leon Draisaitl while demanding greater responsibility from the rest of the roster.
McDavid battled through a fractured foot suffered in Game 2 of the Ducks series and still recorded six points in six playoff games. Draisaitl returned from a late-season lower-body injury and led the club with 10 postseason points. However, both stars carried enormous minutes while the supporting cast struggled to produce.
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Edmonton’s depth failed to provide enough offense. Jack Roslovic scored no goals in the series, while Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic combined for no points. Curtis Lazar and Darnell Nurse also fell short of expectations during the collapse.
Babcock’s hiring remains controversial because of his past treatment of players and his brief 2023 exit from Columbus. Still, Edmonton’s leadership believes a demanding system can unlock the roster.
With McDavid’s contract running through 2028, the Oilers see structural change as their best chance to maximize a closing championship window.
