3 questions facing Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers hired 63-year-old Mike Babcock as head coach on June 23, marking his return to the NHL after being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 20, 2019, and stepping down from the Columbus Blue Jackets in September 2023 following a controversy involving players' personal photos. After being cleared by an NHL investigation, Babcock was brought in to help the Oilers contend for the Stanley Cup, becoming Connor McDavid's sixth coach in Edmonton and Leon Draisaitl's eighth. Key questions heading into the season include Babcock's impact behind the bench and the team's ability to improve defensively.