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NHL insider Elliotte Friedman believes the Edmonton Oilers should stop relying on players to defend Mike Babcock’s hiring.
Speaking on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said the organization’s ownership should publicly explain the decision. His comments followed Babcock’s introductory press conference, which Friedman described as more confrontational than expected.
MORE: NHL world reacts to Edmonton Oilers hiring coach Mike Babcock
Friedman acknowledged he has long viewed Babcock differently because of personal interactions with the veteran coach. However, he admitted the introductory media session raised concerns.
“That press conference this week made me very nervous for them,” Friedman said. “I did not expect him to grovel. I don’t think he needs to grovel, but I wasn’t expecting that. That had a much harder tone than I expected.”
He noted that Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman have already defended the hire publicly. Friedman believes the focus should now shift away from players.
“The one thing I agree with Marty Walsh on is – players don’t hire the coach,” Friedman said. “Now, in this case, they played a big role, but you know what? They’re parading the players out there to talk about this. I’d like to hear from the owner. Because he drove this bus.”
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) and forward Connor McDavid (97) talk. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Friedman’s comments point toward Oilers owner Daryl Katz, who reportedly played a direct role in approving Babcock’s hiring. Katz met with Babcock and the team’s leadership group before the appointment became official.
McDavid has repeatedly defended the decision. “We brought Babs in to be hard on me. And Leon. The top guys — that’s who we want to point the finger at,” the captain told Sportsnet. He also said Edmonton was “looking for the last 1 per cent” after consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses and a disappointing first-round exit in 2026.
Friedman’s argument extends beyond public relations. Ownership made the final decision after the organization completed its review of Babcock’s past conduct and received clearance from the league. Having the owner explain why the franchise believes Babcock deserves another opportunity would reinforce that the decision belongs to management, not the players.
Edmonton is making a calculated gamble. The Oilers believe Babcock’s demanding structure can tighten defensive play and improve accountability throughout the lineup. That approach could help maximize the championship window around McDavid and Draisaitl, but scrutiny will remain high until results arrive.
“It was just really interesting to me about hearing, like an hour after Babcock was done in that kind of tone, Gary Bettman says, “We have certain expectations of the quorum and how this will work.” There’s a lot of reputations on the line here of some people who I think very highly of,” Friedman said. “I was a little concerned after that press conference.”
MORE: Elliotte Friedman says 3 Oilers players ‘grilled’ coach Mike Babcock
For now, the discussion surrounding Babcock extends beyond systems and tactics. It also centers on who should answer for one of the NHL’s most closely watched coaching hires.
Continue reading...
Speaking on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said the organization’s ownership should publicly explain the decision. His comments followed Babcock’s introductory press conference, which Friedman described as more confrontational than expected.
MORE: NHL world reacts to Edmonton Oilers hiring coach Mike Babcock
Friedman acknowledged he has long viewed Babcock differently because of personal interactions with the veteran coach. However, he admitted the introductory media session raised concerns.
“That press conference this week made me very nervous for them,” Friedman said. “I did not expect him to grovel. I don’t think he needs to grovel, but I wasn’t expecting that. That had a much harder tone than I expected.”
He noted that Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman have already defended the hire publicly. Friedman believes the focus should now shift away from players.
“The one thing I agree with Marty Walsh on is – players don’t hire the coach,” Friedman said. “Now, in this case, they played a big role, but you know what? They’re parading the players out there to talk about this. I’d like to hear from the owner. Because he drove this bus.”
Oilers’ ownership should share responsibility
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Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) and forward Connor McDavid (97) talk. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Friedman’s comments point toward Oilers owner Daryl Katz, who reportedly played a direct role in approving Babcock’s hiring. Katz met with Babcock and the team’s leadership group before the appointment became official.
McDavid has repeatedly defended the decision. “We brought Babs in to be hard on me. And Leon. The top guys — that’s who we want to point the finger at,” the captain told Sportsnet. He also said Edmonton was “looking for the last 1 per cent” after consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses and a disappointing first-round exit in 2026.
Friedman’s argument extends beyond public relations. Ownership made the final decision after the organization completed its review of Babcock’s past conduct and received clearance from the league. Having the owner explain why the franchise believes Babcock deserves another opportunity would reinforce that the decision belongs to management, not the players.
Friedman believes a lot of reputations are on the line
Edmonton is making a calculated gamble. The Oilers believe Babcock’s demanding structure can tighten defensive play and improve accountability throughout the lineup. That approach could help maximize the championship window around McDavid and Draisaitl, but scrutiny will remain high until results arrive.
“It was just really interesting to me about hearing, like an hour after Babcock was done in that kind of tone, Gary Bettman says, “We have certain expectations of the quorum and how this will work.” There’s a lot of reputations on the line here of some people who I think very highly of,” Friedman said. “I was a little concerned after that press conference.”
MORE: Elliotte Friedman says 3 Oilers players ‘grilled’ coach Mike Babcock
For now, the discussion surrounding Babcock extends beyond systems and tactics. It also centers on who should answer for one of the NHL’s most closely watched coaching hires.
Continue reading...
