Mike Babcock reveals the biggest problem with the Oilers lineup
Photo credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Mike Babcock has only just returned to an NHL bench, but his priorities for the Edmonton Oilers are already easy to read.
In a conversation with Michael Menzies, the new head coach explained what he needs from his best players and how he plans to strengthen the group around them.
Detail Away From the Puck Is the Top Ask
Babcock made his message plain:
They're the most important people to do things without the puck that we need. Now they're going to play their game, but they have to play with detail without the puck, and so that's their focus for sure. Then the second part is to find depth. We need depth in the organization, so we don't have to play those guys too much. So that's my job: find it.
In practical terms, those key players can keep doing what makes them dangerous with possession. What changes is the standard when the opponent controls the play.
Babcock wants sharper positioning, tighter checking and smarter reads in every zone, and he is holding his most important players accountable for it.
It also matches the theme of his first camp. Babcock ran his opening practices this week, his first on an NHL bench since Toronto dismissed him during the 2019-20 season, and he has stressed that the Oilers will play a structured game away from the puck with twelve forwards who each have a defined role.
Why Depth Is the Second Half of the Plan
Edmonton's recent history explains the urgency. After consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers were eliminated in the first round last spring, and general manager Stan Bowman has said the roster leaned too heavily on a small group of players. Finding capable support means fewer punishing minutes for the top of the lineup.
Younger players are auditioning for that support role, including Josh Samanski at bottom-six centre. With Babcock expecting to start Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together, the lines behind them matter even more.
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