The Oilers Coaching Saga: Bowman Weighs In on Babcock and Cassidy, Pressure Mounts to Lead McDavid to Victory
The Oilers are in the midst of a coaching saga, with Mike Babcock and Bruce Cassidy in the mix. Scotty Bowman, a legendary coach, weighs in on the situation, acknowledging Babcock's success but also his baggage. The pressure is on for the Oilers to find a coach who can lead them to a Stanley Cup victory and keep their star players, like Connor McDavid, happy.
Bowman emphasizes that coaching is not something you forget, citing Babcock's past achievements with the Red Wings. He acknowledges the challenges that come with coaching top-tier players like McDavid and Draisaitl, who carry the weight of the team's success on their shoulders. Bowman also highlights the importance of building a strong team beyond just the star players.
The discussion shifts to Darnell Nurse, a talented defenseman whose physicality has waned in recent years. Bowman suggests that Nurse may be traded due to his high salary and lack of consistent performance. Comparisons are drawn to Brayden McNabb, a player known for his physicality and intensity on the ice.
The pursuit of Babcock as a coach is seen as a move driven by Oilers owner Daryl Katz. The potential influence of players like Zach Hyman, who has a positive history with Babcock, is also considered. Babcock's son, Mike Jr., recently landed a coaching job with a team owned by the Hyman family, adding an interesting twist to the story.
If Babcock is hired, it is speculated that DJ Smith, a former assistant coach under Babcock, could join the Oilers staff. The team is currently looking to fill a vacancy for a defenseman coach. Fans are encouraged to stay updated on the latest news by bookmarking the website and subscribing to newsletters.