yardbarker
Connor McDavid has openly supported the Edmonton Oilers decision to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach.
Many people have questioned Babcocks return to the NHL, but McDavid believes the team made the right choice.
His support lends even more importance to the Oilers decision as they try to win the Stanley Cup.
Connor McDavid spoke about the hiring for the first time at Zach Hymans yearly charity golf tournament.
He said Babcock is the right coach for a team full of experienced players.
McDavid believes Babcocks many years of coaching experience will help the Oilers compete for a championship.
Yeah, I think thats what obviously we see, McDavid said when asked about Babcocks championship pedigree.
We see a great opportunity to be coached by someone whos coached in every single big game there is to coach in.
According to Ankit Kumar from The Big Lead, McDavid also talked about Babcocks successful coaching career.
Whos been successful, won Cups, gold medals, you name it, hes done it.
Its a great opportunity for us players to be coached by somebody like him and learn from him.
Later, McDavid again said he believes the Oilers made the right decision to hire Babcock.
With where our groups at and what were looking for, hes the perfect fit, he added.
McDavid made these comments after the Oilers lost in the first round of the playoffs, even though he had another great season.
The team has changed its head coach, and McDavids support shows that the teams leaders believe Babcock has the experience to help the Oilers compete for the Stanley Cup.
The same interview, reported by The Big Lead, also explained why the Oilers believe this coaching change can help the team make the most of Connor McDavids and Leon Draisaitls best years.
The Oilers finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 41-30-11 record.
They then lost to the Anaheim Ducks in six games in the first round of the playoffs.
McDavid led the NHL with 138 points, but the team had problems on defense and in goal all season.
General manager Stan Bowman hired Mike Babcock to replace Kris Knoblauch.
He also made changes to the roster through trades and free agency.
The report said the teams leaders met with Babcock before the hiring.
Veteran players supported the decision, even though many questioned Babcocks return after the controversy surrounding his short tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.
Mike Babcock has one of the best coaching records in the NHL.
He has won one Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals, and more than 700 NHL games as a head coach.
Some people still have concerns about his coaching style, but the Oilers believe his experience gives the team a better chance to win the Stanley Cup next season.
Connor McDavids support will not change everyones opinion, but it shows one thing.
The Oilers leaders believe Babcock is the right coach for the team.
More must-reads:.