One of the main storylines during the 2026 NHL offseason was the major change in leadership made by the Edmonton Oilers that saw them dismiss head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant Mark Stuart, and replace them with Mike Babcock and…
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid stated that new head coach Mike Babcock has made a considerable difference to the team, describing an upbeat, energetic, and aggressive roster. McDavid shared his assessment following Edmonton's victory over the Los Angeles Kings, as the Oilers remained the only team in the Pacific Division without a regulation loss to start the season.
Babcock took over as head coach during the 2026 offseason alongside assistant DJ Smith after Edmonton dismissed Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart. McDavid noted that the veteran coach brought needed accountability following consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and a subsequent first-round playoff exit.
Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.
