The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to hire Mike Babcock last month sparked plenty of debate across the hockey world. While many questioned bringing back the veteran coach after years away from the NHL, Zach Hyman has no doubts about the move.
Having played five seasons under Babcock with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hyman is leaning heavily into his first-hand experience rather than the outside noise and controversial narratives following the 63-year-old coach.
Zach Hyman Backs Oilers’ Mike Babcock Hire
Babcock’s hiring came with plenty of controversy. He hasn’t coached an NHL game since the Toronto Maple Leafs fired him in 2019. His attempted return with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 ended before training camp after allegations surfaced that he asked to see players’ personal cell phones.
Before moving forward with the hire, the Oilers waited for the NHL Players’ Association to complete its review of the situation. Edmonton’s management also spoke with team leaders Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Hyman, all of whom supported the decision and believed Babcock’s structured approach could benefit the team.
Speaking on Oilers NOW with Bob Stauffer, Hyman was asked whether Babcock had made it clear how hard he planned to push the team’s leaders.
“Yeah, he did,” Hyman said. “I think people forget that my first year in Toronto, we had 10 rookies my first full season, give or take, that were in and out. And if you look at the rookies on that team that have carved out long NHL careers, it’s largely in part due to the foundation that he instilled and the structure that he instilled in us.”
Hyman pointed to players like Connor Brown, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and himself as examples of young players who benefited from Babcock’s coaching early in their careers.
The veteran winger was especially complimentary of Babcock’s ability as a teacher, saying the coach gives every player a clear understanding of what is expected. “When you’re out on the ice, there’s no gray area; it’s very black and white. You know exactly what you need to do. You know exactly what your role is. You know exactly how you need to impact the game,” he added.
That straightforward approach helped him early in his career by allowing him to focus on playing hard instead of overthinking every shift. He believes that the same structure and accountability will benefit Edmonton.
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Hyman isn’t dismissing Babcock’s past, but he believes his own experience speaks for itself.
After falling short in the Stanley Cup Final in both 2024 and 2025 before suffering a first-round exit against the Anaheim Ducks this spring, the Oilers are betting that Babcock’s structured, demanding approach can help them finally get over the hump.
