Sidney Crosby sparks controversy with surprising take on Mike Babcock

The Edmonton Oilers knew their decision to bring in Mike Babcock as head coach would generate fierce debate. The backlash has been loud and sustained, with critics pointing to Babcock's troubled departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 and a lengthy absence from the NHL. But one of the most unexpected voices to weigh in has offered nothing but praise for the polarizing bench boss.

Sidney Crosby, who played under Babcock internationally, shared a glowing assessment of what Edmonton is getting in its new head coach. According to journalist Michael Traikos, Crosby described Babcock as "really organized" and highlighted his tactical strengths.

"Really good bench management when it comes to matching lines. Just a feel for the game," Crosby said. "He was really good at painting a clear picture on how he wanted us to play and what guys' jobs were."

The endorsement from one of hockey's most respected figures carries significant weight, particularly given how contentious the hiring has been across the league. Babcock's 78-day stint with Columbus ended in 2023 amid concerns raised by players and the NHLPA, which reportedly called his conduct "very concerning." He had not coached in the NHL for nearly seven years before Edmonton came calling.

Still, the Oilers' leadership group appears fully committed to the decision. In an exclusive interview with Sportsnet's Mark Spector, Connor McDavid recently revealed that he, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman actively sought out Babcock and told GM Stan Bowman they wanted to be pushed harder.

"We brought Babs in to be hard on me. And Leon. The top guys, that's who we want to point the finger at," McDavid said. He went so far as to welcome the idea of being benched during rough stretches, something no Oilers coach has done to him. "It's time to have that happen in Edmonton. It's time."

McDavid acknowledged the controversy but kept his comments forward-looking. "All I can speak to is him being our head coach today," he said.

The reaction online has been split. Some fans pointed out that star players like Crosby may have experienced a very different side of Babcock than others in the locker room. One commenter noted that Babcock is known for treating top players well in public settings, while his approach to managing depth players has drawn the sharpest criticism. Others referenced former Detroit Red Wing Johan Franzen, who has spoken publicly about negative experiences under Babcock's coaching.

With training camps just around the corner, Edmonton is banking on the belief that Babcock's demanding style is exactly what a talented roster needs after a disappointing 93-point season and a first-round playoff exit. With McDavid's contract expiring in 2028 and the window narrowing, there is almost no room for this gamble to go wrong.