Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman has expressed support for the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. Hyman, who played under Babcock during his early career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, described his experience as positive and believes Babcock can help the Oilers achieve their goals.
The Oilers recently concluded a season where they finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record. Despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final in both 2024 and 2025, the team’s inconsistent performance last season led to a first-round elimination by the Anaheim Ducks in six games. This outcome prompted significant changes, including the departure of former head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Hyman acknowledged Knoblauch’s contributions, stating that he was a great coach who led the team to two Stanley Cup Finals. However, Hyman noted that the team struggled with consistency last season, taking until February or March to win three consecutive games. Despite these challenges, the team maintained belief in their ability to perform.
Babcock’s Return and Player Comfort
Babcock’s appointment follows a period of controversy. He had previously resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching a single game, after a report surfaced regarding his alleged requests for players to share personal photos from their mobile devices. Both the NHL and NHLPA conducted investigations into the matter, and Babcock was cleared in June, allowing him to return to coaching.
Hyman emphasized the importance of the NHL and NHLPA’s investigative process. He stated that players communicate with each other across the league, and the Oilers’ players were comfortable with Babcock and his coaching approach. Hyman believes Babcock is the right fit to elevate the team’s performance.
Babcock’s coaching career spans 17 seasons in the NHL, with a record of 700-418-164 and 19 ties. His tenure included coaching roles with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is also recognized as the only coach in the Triple Gold Club, having won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008, two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014, and a World Hockey Championship in 2004.
Hyman played under Babcock for the first five seasons of his career with the Maple Leafs, where he recorded 51 goals and 117 points in 255 games. During this time, the Maple Leafs made the playoffs in each of those five seasons. Hyman credits Babcock with helping him adapt his game in the league, particularly during his early years when the team had many rookies and made a significant impact in the playoffs against the Washington Capitals.
Off-Season Changes and Player Departures
Beyond the coaching change, the Oilers also made another significant move by trading long-time defenceman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. Nurse had spent his entire eight-season career in Edmonton, accumulating 88 goals and 324 points in 798 games. He was a key part of the defence during the team’s two Stanley Cup Final appearances but requested a trade for a fresh start.
Hyman, a close friend of Nurse, drew parallels to his own experience when he left the Maple Leafs to join the Oilers as an unrestricted free agent in 2021. He expressed sadness at Nurse’s departure but also excitement for the new opportunity his friend will have with the Sharks. Hyman believes that while turnover is a natural part of hockey, it is particularly challenging when a player has spent a long time with one team.
The early end to last season, while disappointing, provided the Oilers with a longer off-season to recover and prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Hyman, who had been sidelined by a major wrist injury for the first 19 games of the previous season, appreciated the extended time for rest and recuperation. He noted that despite the desire to play into June for the Stanley Cup Final, the team is now healthy and focused on the new season.
Hyman also highlighted the addition of assistant coach D.J. Smith as a move that further strengthens the Oilers’ coaching staff, making it one of the best in the league.
Source: tsn.ca
