Babcock runs Oilers through four-hour opening camp practice

Mike Babcock held his first on-ice practice as Edmonton Oilers head coach on Thursday, running two roughly two-hour sessions for groups of about 20 players. It marked his first coaching day since resigning from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 following criticism over requests for personal photos from players.

Babcock, cleared by the NHL after an investigation into his Columbus conduct, signed with Edmonton this spring after the team fired Kris Knoblauch before his new contract began. He told reporters no lineup decisions have been made and said he plans to keep observing through exhibition games before drawing conclusions. He said the team will emphasize playing without the puck, fitness and using 12 forwards.

Babcock said Oilers leaders Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman persuaded him to take the job after telling him what they wanted from a coach. He said he initially plans to keep McDavid and Draisaitl on the same line, as they played last season, but declined to discuss further line combinations.

Draisaitl described the first practice as intense and detail-oriented, saying it will take about a week for players and coach to adjust to each other. Defenceman Ryan Shea, signed to a five-year free-agent contract this summer, said Babcock emphasized speed and small details like finishing drills properly.