Babcock ‘OK’ with taking media heat off players
Mike Babcock's hiring by the Edmonton Oilers has been a distraction in more ways that one.
Edmonton Oilers coach Mike Babcock has been hired by the team despite his history of controversy, which has kept much of the media focus off the players. Veteran winger Zach Hyman stated that Babcock is taking the heat and allowing the players to concentrate on the new system he is trying to instil. The Oilers have also faced backlash for signing Alex Formenton, a player involved in a sexual assault scandal, but the team defends the decision, stating they performed due diligence and Formenton has been reinstated by both the NHL and Hockey Canada.
Despite a slow start to the season, the Oilers have a strong offensive core led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and a new goaltending trio of Babcock, Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi. The defense is a concern with 10 NHL veterans vying for six or seven spots, but Babcock believes the team has the ability to play different styles and bring a little bit of everything.
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