The Edmonton Oilers took a chance hiring Mike Babcock.

A lot has been said this summer about Edmonton’s controversial choice for their head coach. Now we’ve seen Babcock in action through a week of training camp and two pre-season wins over the Winnipeg Jets. Words that come to mind to describe the 63-year-old are: blunt, confident, intense, and bold. Of course we’re still in the honeymoon phase; it’s early days.

How have things gone so far? Let’s take a look:

Running practices

Babcock has run a few practices since training camp opened on Sept. 17th. He’s very vocal at practice, preferring to explain drills on the go instead of going to the whiteboard. His instructions have been simple and clear, and he wants lots of pace.

It’s obvious he knows what he wants and demands perfection. Even the team leaders must fall in line. Leon Draisaitl went early on a drill in the first practice, and Babcock called him back. Afterwards no. 29 said, “It was great. It was intense. He’s energetic. He wants things done a certain way and he wants them done right. I think anyone in the building could hear it and probably see it, but it’s great, the details are great. He cares about the little things, so it was a good first day.”

Monday after practice, Babcock called out the entire team, ” I didn’t think this one was very pretty.” According to the head coach, the players have to skate hard, execute, listen, and compete. At the same time, he acknowledged that it’s still early in the season, and it will take time for players to adjust to a new system. McDavid was asked about Babcock’s critique of the practice, and the team captain........

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