NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers hired Mike Babcock because the franchise needed a dramatic change after a disappointing 2025-26 season.
Speaking on the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said Edmonton's leadership group had reached a breaking point before management replaced Kris Knoblauch.
"But the number one thing for me is they needed a break," Friedman said. "They were at the end last year. It's very clear reading." He added that Babcock challenged the team's core during meetings by telling them, "You guys are as much the problem."
Friedman pointed to Connor McDavid's recent comments as further evidence of the team's internal struggles. "I thought reading McDavid's quotes to Mark Spector, this team was really off the rails at the end of last year. They were really off the rails," Friedman said.
View the original article to see embedded media.
The Oilers are entering a critical two-year Stanley Cup window after McDavid signed his latest short-term contract extension. General manager Stan Bowman turned to Babcock's championship resume, hoping his demanding style can push an elite roster back into contention.
Friedman believes that decision will immediately test Edmonton's leadership group. "If they want to be challenged, they got a guy who's not going to be afraid to challenge them," he said.
He also highlighted how closely every coaching decision will be examined. "When it's a power play in the third period and Babcock sends out the second unit, I think we're all going to watch and say, 'How's this all going to go?' Because that's why he's there."
The Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
Edmonton is betting that accountability will fix problems talent alone could not solve. The Oilers still feature one of the NHL's strongest cores, led by McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but structure and consistency remain essential.
Babcock's tactical record is well established, yet his ability to manage personalities will determine whether this gamble succeeds. With championship expectations rising, results will fast outweigh reputation in Edmonton.
