Babcock benches Oilers' Walman after minus-7 start to send accountability message
New Edmonton coach Mike Babcock has sat two players as healthy scratches in recent weeks, signalling a shift in how the team is run after last season's first-round playoff exit.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman sat out back-to-back games this week after having his ice time reduced, following forward Trent Frederic's healthy scratch last week. Walman, who has one point and a team-worst minus-7 rating this season, played just over 13 minutes in a shootout loss to Detroit on Monday before being scratched Wednesday as the Oilers beat Calgary 4-0.
Coach Mike Babcock, who took over the team after last spring's first-round playoff loss led to the firing of Kris Knoblauch, said he would meet with Walman again to decide his next steps. Veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm said the scratches reflect a new standard of accountability under the coaching staff, while forward Leon Draisaitl said Walman understands what is required to work his way back into the lineup.
Walman, who was with Edmonton for its back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup final, remains out for Saturday's game against the New York Islanders. Babcock said players must be ready to seize opportunities when given them, framing the lineup decisions as part of building a foundation for a team with championship ambitions built around Connor McDavid and Draisaitl.
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