Babcock's hiring has been 'all positive' for Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers report a positive start to training camp under new head coach Mike Babcock, who was hired on June 23, 2026, to replace the fired Kris Knoblauch. Captain Connor McDavid noted that media attention has been focused on Babcock rather than the players, helping the team stay focused. Babcock, who had not coached in the NHL since being dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season, came out of retirement to take the role.