Babcock ‘OK’ with taking media heat off players

The Edmonton Oilers' hiring of head coach Mike Babcock has drawn significant media attention and controversy throughout training camp. Veteran winger Zach Hyman stated that Babcock is comfortable absorbing the media scrutiny, which has allowed players to focus on learning his new system on the ice.

Babcock joined Edmonton after the NHL cleared him following an investigation into his 2023 conduct with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team also faced backlash for signing forward Alex Formenton, who scored in a 5-2 preseason win over Winnipeg after being reinstated by the NHL and Hockey Canada.