The controversial Sean Avery has a strong message about Mike Babcock's return with the Oilers

Avery, never shy about sharing an opinion during his own playing days, has jumped into the conversation around Babcock's return to an NHL bench after years away. The outspoken former forward pointed to Babcock's reputation as a relentless teacher of habits and structure, the same traits that once carried Detroit to a championship and Canada to back to back Olympic gold medals. According to Avery, that kind of demanding presence is precisely what a talented but still unfulfilled Oilers core has been missing.

Edmonton brought Babcock in earlier this year after the club moved on from Kris Knoblauch following another disappointing playoff exit. The hire was not without controversy. Babcock's past includes a short and messy stint in Columbus that ended before he ever coached a game there, along with old complaints from players about his abrasive methods in Toronto. The NHL reviewed the situation and cleared him to return, and Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman were reportedly consulted by management before the deal was finalized.

Training camp has already given a glimpse of what Avery is talking about. Reports out of Edmonton describe long, detail heavy practices and a coach who wants his team playing fast and accountable from puck drop. Players have openly discussed adjusting to the pace, a sign that the culture shift is well underway.

Not everyone in Oil Country shares Avery's confidence. Some fans remain wary given Babcock's history, while others simply want results after years of postseason heartbreak. Either way, the pressure is squarely on Babcock now to prove his methods still work at the highest level, with a roster built to win right away.

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