Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman has expressed his support for the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. Hyman, who previously played under Babcock with the Toronto Maple Leafs, believes Babcock can help the Oilers reach the next level.
The Oilers are aiming to return to the top of the Western Conference after an inconsistent previous season. The team finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record but was eliminated in six games by the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round of the playoffs. This early exit followed two consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025 under former head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Hyman acknowledged Knoblauch’s contributions, stating that he was a great coach who led the team to two Stanley Cup Finals. However, Hyman noted the team’s struggles last season, describing it as an “up-and-down year” where they found it difficult to consistently win games.
Babcock’s Return to Coaching
Babcock’s hiring comes after his resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023, prior to coaching any games, following reports regarding his interactions with players. Investigations by the NHL and NHLPA cleared Babcock in June, paving the way for his return to coaching. Hyman emphasized the importance of these investigations, stating that players were comfortable with Babcock after the process.
Hyman played for Babcock during the first five seasons of his career with the Maple Leafs, where he recorded 51 goals and 117 points in 255 games. Under Babcock, the Maple Leafs made the playoffs in each of those five seasons. Hyman credits Babcock with helping him adjust his game early in his career.
“I had a great experience with him, and he was phenomenal to me as a young player,” Hyman said. He also highlighted Babcock’s teaching ability, calling him an “unbelievable coach.” The addition of assistant coach D.J. Smith is also seen as a move to strengthen the coaching staff.
Babcock’s coaching career includes a 700-418-164 record with 19 ties over 17 seasons, coaching the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He is the only coach to be a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008, two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014, and a World Hockey Championship in 2004.
Off-Season Changes and Player Departures
Beyond the coaching change, the Oilers also made a significant roster move by trading long-time defenceman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. Nurse, who played his entire eight-season career in Edmonton, recorded 88 goals and 324 points in 798 games. He was a key part of the defence during the team’s two Stanley Cup Final runs but requested a trade for a fresh start.
Hyman, a close friend of Nurse, drew parallels to his own experience of leaving the Maple Leafs to join the Oilers as an unrestricted free agent in 2021. He expressed sadness at Nurse’s departure but also excitement for the opportunity his friend will have with the Sharks. Hyman believes Nurse will be a valuable asset to the young San Jose team, describing him as a leader, a great teammate, and a great person.
The early playoff exit last season, while disappointing, provided the team with a longer off-season to recover and prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Hyman, who was sidelined for the first 19 games of the previous season due to a major wrist injury, appreciated the extended time for rest and recuperation. He noted that despite the disappointment of an early exit, the team is now feeling healthy and ready.
Hyman emphasized that the team’s goal is always to win the Stanley Cup, especially after reaching back-to-back finals. The extended off-season allowed players to focus on their physical conditioning, with everyone feeling healthy and prepared for the new season.
The Oilers’ leadership group and management conducted extensive interviews before deciding to bring Babcock on board, a decision Hyman believes will be beneficial for the team’s pursuit of its ultimate goal.
Source: tsn.ca
