Tension already growing between Leon Draisaitl and Mike Babcock in Edmonton

Mike Babcock has barely coached his first regular-season game with the Edmonton Oilers, but there may already be some tension developing between the veteran coach and one of his biggest stars. And Leon Draisaitl appears to be taking it in stride.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Draisaitl admitted, with a smile, that the most honest thing Babcock has told him so far is that he “hated my changes.”

That might sound like a joke, but it also says plenty about what Babcock is trying to accomplish in Edmonton.

The new Oilers head coach has made it clear that he wants his stars to adjust parts of their games, rather than simply continuing to rely on the habits that have made them successful. Evan Bouchard, meanwhile, revealed that Babcock has told him he doesn’t need to try to hit a home run on every play. Sometimes, Bouchard simply getting the puck to a winger who can then find Connor McDavid is enough.

That philosophy could become particularly interesting with Draisaitl and McDavid, two players who have spent years making difficult plays look routine.

And Babcock’s history makes the situation even more intriguing.

The coach’s return to the NHL came after an investigation into his departure from Columbus in 2023, following allegations concerning his treatment of players. The NHL completed its review before clearing the way for Edmonton to hire him.

At the same time, Draisaitl and McDavid were consulted before Babcock was hired, and both publicly expressed confidence in the decision. So far, there is no indication that Draisaitl is unhappy. As for Bouchard, he had quite a game last night, collecting a hat trick and five points in the loss.

But Tuesday night’s season opener against Vancouver offered the first real test of how Babcock’s demands translate when the games actually count. And it’s no secret that it was a rough game for the Oilers, who had trouble keeping with the Canucks and went on to lose 6-5 in overtime. Draisaitl finished the night with a single assist and a -1 rating.

If Babcock wants Edmonton’s stars to change their game, Draisaitl may be one of the biggest tests of whether that philosophy can work.