Leon Draisaitl got caught cheating in Mike Babcock's first Oilers practice
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Mike Babcock ran his first Oilers practice on Thursday, and it only took one drill to show players exactly what kind of season this will be.
According to Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, the tone shifted immediately once Babcock stepped onto the ice at Edmonton's downtown community rink.
The very first drill of camp got interrupted because Leon Draisaitl cut a corner, and instead of letting it slide, Babcock stopped the whole group and had everyone start over.
It was a small moment, but it set the standard for everything that followed.
No time wasted on day one
There was no whiteboard for the first 27 minutes of practice.
Babcock skipped the usual introductory talk and went straight into five on five work, focusing on forechecking and transitional breakouts.
For a team that has heard plenty about needing more structure and detail in its game, that approach lines up with what fans have been asking for since last spring.
Stauffer also pointed out how different the energy felt compared to last season, when the coaching staff took a quieter approach behind the bench.
This time, there was urgency from the opening whistle, and players clearly noticed.
What it means going forward
Babcock is now the seventh coach of Draisaitl's career, and early signs suggest he plans to hold everyone accountable, stars included.
If the intensity from day one carries through camp, Edmonton could be walking into the regular season with a much sharper identity than it had a year ago.
With the Oilers opening the season against Vancouver on September 29, this camp will shape how ready this group really is.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Former Maple Leafs forward and Toronto native sadly passes away - remembering Ron Hurst
Former Maple Leafs forward and Toronto native sadly passes away - remembering Ron Hurst