Mike Babcock sends blunt message to Oilers forward after preseason opener

Edmonton's preseason opener against the Winnipeg Jets gave Babcock his first real look at the group he inherited this summer, and he didn't sugarcoat things afterward.

The new bench boss made it clear he wasn't thrilled with how Howard moved through the lineup, even while stressing that judging anyone off one exhibition game would be premature.

Babcock has built a reputation over sixteen NHL seasons for saying exactly what he sees, and night one in Edmonton was no different.

For Howard, it was a reminder that his new coach isn't going to soften the message just because it's still September.

While Howard's outing left something to be desired, Babcock had plenty of praise elsewhere.

He specifically called out the line featuring Colton Dach, Alex Formenton and Mathieu Joseph, a group built around energy, size and forechecking pressure rather than pure skill.

For a coach known for valuing structure and compete level above flash, that trio checking every box on opening night is a promising early sign as camp battles heat up.

All three are pushing for regular roles this fall, and a strong start won't hurt their case.

A day later, more details emerged, and Howard himself seemed to echo the same conclusion.

Babcock relayed that the 22-year-old wasn't happy with how he played either, a sentiment that lines up with what the coach saw from the bench the night before.

It's an early sign that player and coach are already on the same page about where the bar needs to be.

With Howard fighting for a full-time roster spot after bouncing between Edmonton and the AHL last season, a coach willing to say the quiet part out loud might be exactly what he needs heading into the rest of camp.

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