Oilers head into season with Babcock controversy, Formenton backlash swirling

The Edmonton Oilers are opening the season amid two overlapping controversies as training camp closes. New head coach Mike Babcock, cleared to work in the NHL after a league investigation into his conduct with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, drew renewed criticism when Oilers legend Mark Messier said he was "horrified" by the hiring. Veteran winger Zach Hyman said the attention on Babcock has let players focus on installing his system, which emphasizes speed, positioning and detail.

Separately, the Oilers faced fan backlash after signing free-agent forward Alex Formenton, one of five players from Canada's 2018 world junior team who were charged and later acquitted of sexual assault. A Change.org petition calling for the signing to be reversed has surpassed 70,000 signatures, and fans protested outside Rogers Place during Edmonton's first pre-season game. The team says it conducted due diligence and notes Formenton has been reinstated by the NHL and Hockey Canada; he scored in a 5-2 pre-season win over Winnipeg.

On the ice, the Oilers return most of last season's roster, which finished 41-30-11 and second in the Pacific Division before a first-round playoff exit following back-to-back Stanley Cup final appearances. General manager Stan Bowman said he expects a better start after last season's slow 11-10-5 stretch through November. The team overhauled its goaltending, adding Frederik Andersen (out with a knee injury), Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi, while forwards Matt Savoie and Mattias Janmark and defenceman Alex Regula are also unavailable. Babcock plans to start Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line with Vasily Podkolzin.