Hyman had ‘great experience’ with Babcock in Toronto, believes he can push Oilers over hump
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 recently concluded a season where they finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record. Despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final in both 2024 and 2025, the team experienced an inconsistent 2025-26 season, culminating in a first-round elimination by the Anaheim Ducks in six games. This early exit led to significant changes, including the departure of head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Hyman acknowledged Knoblauch’s contributions, stating that he was a great coach who guided the team to two Stanley Cup Finals. However, Hyman noted that the team struggled with consistency last season, finding it difficult to win three consecutive games until late in the season.
Babcock’s Return to Coaching
Babcock’s hiring comes after a period of controversy. He resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching a single game, following reports that he had asked players to share personal photos from their mobile devices. The NHL and NHLPA conducted investigations into these allegations, and Babcock was cleared in June.
Hyman emphasized the importance of the NHL and NHLPA’s investigative process. He indicated that players across the league communicate, and there was a collective comfort among the Oilers’ players regarding Babcock’s return. Following extensive discussions with Oilers management and the team’s leadership group, the decision was made to bring Babcock on board.
Babcock brings a distinguished coaching record to Edmonton, with 700 wins, 418 losses, 164 overtime losses, and 19 ties over a 17-season NHL career. His coaching tenure includes stints with 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.
Hyman played under Babcock for the first five seasons of his career with the Maple Leafs. During that time, Hyman recorded 51 goals and 117 points in 255 games. The Maple Leafs made the playoffs in each of those five seasons. Hyman credits Babcock with helping him adapt his game in the league, describing his experience with the coach as “great” and calling him “phenomenal” as a young player. He also highlighted Babcock’s teaching ability as a key asset.
The Oilers have also made other significant roster changes, including trading long-time defenceman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. Nurse had played his entire eight-season career in Edmonton, accumulating 88 goals and 324 points in 798 games. He was a crucial part of the team’s defence during their two Stanley Cup Final runs but requested a trade for a fresh start.
Hyman, who is friends with Nurse, drew parallels to his own experience of leaving the Maple Leafs as an unrestricted free agent in 2021 to join the Oilers. While saddened by Nurse’s departure, Hyman expressed excitement for the opportunity Nurse will have with the Sharks, noting that it was a great opportunity for him when he moved to Edmonton and his career progressed.
Off-season Preparations
Despite the disappointment of last season’s early playoff exit, the extended off-season has provided the Oilers with an opportunity to focus on physical recovery and preparation 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 time to rest and recuperate. He acknowledged the bittersweet nature of ending the season early, preferring to play into June in the Stanley Cup Final, especially after consecutive appearances.
The team is reportedly feeling healthy and prepared for the new season, with Hyman having used the additional time to focus on his physical condition.
The addition of assistant coach D.J. Smith alongside Babcock is also seen as a move to solidify the coaching staff.
Hyman’s comments were made during an appearance on TSN’s First Up on Monday.
Source: tsn.ca
