Leon Draisaitl backs Edmonton Oilers' hiring of Mike Babcock

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has expressed support for the team's hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach, stating that the move brings a necessary change in attitude and mentality to the group.

Draisaitl noted that the team's leadership held a thorough and honest meeting with Babcock prior to his hiring. According to Draisaitl, the coach was transparent and did not avoid difficult questions, which helped convince the leadership group that he was the right fit to hold players accountable.

The hiring comes after the Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch following an early playoff exit. While Babcock's appointment carries risks due to past controversies regarding player treatment and a brief, uncoached stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Draisaitl believes the team needs the different perspective and high standards Babcock intends to implement to find a consistent winning identity.