Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman has expressed his support for the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. Hyman, who previously played under Babcock with the Toronto Maple Leafs, believes Babcock’s coaching style can help the Oilers achieve their goals.
The Oilers recently made significant changes after their 2025-26 season concluded with a first-round elimination by the Anaheim Ducks. This outcome followed two consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025. The team finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record, leading to the departure of former head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Hyman acknowledged Knoblauch’s contributions, stating he was a great coach who led the team to two Stanley Cup Finals. However, Hyman noted that the previous season was inconsistent, with the team struggling to find its rhythm and win multiple games consecutively until later in the season.
Babcock’s Return and Player Comfort
Babcock’s hiring comes after his resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching a game, following reports regarding his interactions with players. Investigations by the NHL and NHLPA cleared Babcock in June, after which the Oilers proceeded with his hiring following discussions with management and team leadership.
Hyman emphasized the importance of the NHL and NHLPA’s investigative process. He indicated that players communicate across the league, and the Oilers’ players were comfortable with Babcock and what he brings to the team. Hyman believes Babcock is what the group needs to reach the next level.
Hyman played his first five NHL seasons under Babcock with the Maple Leafs, during which he recorded 51 goals and 117 points in 255 games. The Maple Leafs made the playoffs in each of those five seasons. Hyman credits Babcock with helping him adjust his game as a young player.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Hyman was part of teams that included a significant number of rookies, and they made the playoffs against the Washington Capitals. Hyman described Babcock as an “unbelievable coach” due to his teaching ability. He also highlighted the addition of assistant coach D.J. Smith as a move that strengthens the coaching staff.
Off-Season Changes and Player Perspectives
Beyond the coaching change, the Oilers also traded long-time defenceman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. Nurse had played 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 Stanley Cup Final runs but reportedly requested a trade for a fresh start.
Hyman, a friend of Nurse, drew parallels to his own experience of leaving the Maple Leafs to join the Oilers as an unrestricted free agent in 2021. He expressed sadness about Nurse’s departure but also excitement for the opportunity Nurse will have with the Sharks. Hyman noted that such turnover is part of the sport, especially when a player has been with one team for a long time.
The early exit from the playoffs last season provided the Oilers with a longer off-season, allowing players to focus on recovery and preparation for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Hyman, who was recovering from a wrist injury that sidelined him for the first 19 games of the previous season, appreciated the extra time for rest and recuperation, despite preferring to have played into June.
Babcock’s career as a head coach spans 17 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs, holding a record of 700-418-164 with 19 ties. He is 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.
Source: tsn.ca
Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”
