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Ryan Whitney thinks that the Edmonton Oilers are ready to finally win the Stanley Cup after another major offseason overhaul.
The Oilers reached consecutive NHL Stanley Cup Finals before a disappointing first-round exit against the Anaheim Ducks last season. Edmonton responded by replacing coach Kris Knoblauch with Mike Babcock and reshaping its roster.
MORE: Oilers analyst blasts Evan Bouchard’s No. 10 ranking among NHL D-men
Whitney recently spoke with Ryan Shea, who shared details about a team gathering at captain Connor McDavid’s ranch. Several Oilers attended the weekend, including Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard.
“So I was talking to Ryan Shea, him, and I think Savoie, Leon, Bouchard, there was like eight guys,” Whitney said on Spittin’ Chiclets. “They had a little – and the Oilers are ready, buddy, the Oilers are ready.”
Whitney said the group appeared fully focused heading into the new season.
“They’re dialed in as a team,” Whitney said. “He said they had a great weekend up at the McDavid Ranch.”
Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock during a press conference at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY NETWORK
Whitney strongly backed Edmonton’s decision to hire Babcock, pointing to the coach’s long record of success. Babcock has won the Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings and coached multiple teams to deep playoff runs. His resume also includes two Olympic gold medals for Canada, in 2010 and 2014.
“We got one of the best coaches in the history of the sport,” Whitney said. “Nobody else has won what he has won.”
He later added, “Don’t listen to people who dog Babs. Babs is the guy who’s going to bring the Cup back.”
The Oilers also addressed several roster weaknesses during the offseason. Edmonton traded Darnell Nurse, rebuilt its defense and added goaltending options in the form of Frederik Andersen and young prospect Devon Levi.
Bouchard remains central after producing 95 points last season. Meanwhile, McDavid and Draisaitl will continue to give Edmonton the two elite center presence capable of driving playoff offense.
MORE: Oilers face ‘near-certainty’ of forward injuries as veteran group ages
Whitney’s confidence ultimately rests on Edmonton combining its star power with better structure. The Ducks exposed defensive and goaltending concerns last spring, making Babcock’s system particularly important.
“If I can win the Fallon Cup, the Oilers can win the Stanley Cup,” Whitney said. “That’s for certain.”
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
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The Oilers reached consecutive NHL Stanley Cup Finals before a disappointing first-round exit against the Anaheim Ducks last season. Edmonton responded by replacing coach Kris Knoblauch with Mike Babcock and reshaping its roster.
MORE: Oilers analyst blasts Evan Bouchard’s No. 10 ranking among NHL D-men
Whitney recently spoke with Ryan Shea, who shared details about a team gathering at captain Connor McDavid’s ranch. Several Oilers attended the weekend, including Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard.
“So I was talking to Ryan Shea, him, and I think Savoie, Leon, Bouchard, there was like eight guys,” Whitney said on Spittin’ Chiclets. “They had a little – and the Oilers are ready, buddy, the Oilers are ready.”
Whitney said the group appeared fully focused heading into the new season.
“They’re dialed in as a team,” Whitney said. “He said they had a great weekend up at the McDavid Ranch.”
Mike Babcock could give the Oilers another chance
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Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Mike Babcock during a press conference at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY NETWORK
Whitney strongly backed Edmonton’s decision to hire Babcock, pointing to the coach’s long record of success. Babcock has won the Stanley Cup in 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings and coached multiple teams to deep playoff runs. His resume also includes two Olympic gold medals for Canada, in 2010 and 2014.
“We got one of the best coaches in the history of the sport,” Whitney said. “Nobody else has won what he has won.”
He later added, “Don’t listen to people who dog Babs. Babs is the guy who’s going to bring the Cup back.”
The Oilers also addressed several roster weaknesses during the offseason. Edmonton traded Darnell Nurse, rebuilt its defense and added goaltending options in the form of Frederik Andersen and young prospect Devon Levi.
Bouchard remains central after producing 95 points last season. Meanwhile, McDavid and Draisaitl will continue to give Edmonton the two elite center presence capable of driving playoff offense.
MORE: Oilers face ‘near-certainty’ of forward injuries as veteran group ages
Whitney’s confidence ultimately rests on Edmonton combining its star power with better structure. The Ducks exposed defensive and goaltending concerns last spring, making Babcock’s system particularly important.
“If I can win the Fallon Cup, the Oilers can win the Stanley Cup,” Whitney said. “That’s for certain.”
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
