Why does Leon Draisaitl believe Mike Babcock will challenge Connor McDavid differently this NHL season

Mike Babcock joins the Edmonton Oilers for the upcoming NHL season. Leon Draisaitl: “He’s got a different coaching style. The veteran forward says Babcock will hold players accountable no matter where they are in the lineup.Draisaitl specifically said that he and Connor McDavid should not be treated any differently because they are Edmonton’s biggest stars. Comments refer to the Oilers being expected to play with better discipline, structure and consistency.Why does Leon Draisaitl back Mike Babcock’s NHL approach?Leon Draisaitl likes Mike Babcock because he believes the Edmonton Oilers coach will set clear expectations and hold players accountable. Players want to be coached and want to improve, so accountability is a big part of Edmonton’s preparation, Draisaitl said.Babcock’s method might lean more on execution and accountability throughout the entire lineup. Even elite players like Connor McDavid and himself can make mistakes and sometimes need to be challenged by the coaching staff, Draisaitl admitted.That spot could be especially key for the Oilers, who rely on their top guys to do the heavy lifting. Babcock doesn’t seem like the guy who gives star status a free pass, and I would expect the same level of commitment from the team’s best players.Babcock has coached teams with big-name players before, including the Detroit Red Wings on their 2008 Stanley Cup championship season. He also has roster management experience with multiple established stars from his work with Team Canada at major international events.Draisaitl referenced that history when talking about why he thinks Babcock will be good for Edmonton. The forward’s remarks imply that the coach’s experience with strong personalities may be valuable in an NHL season with high expectations for the Oilers.Leon Draisaitl believes Mike Babcock will bring greater accountability to the Edmonton Oilers, including for stars Connor McDavid and himself. The new coach’s experience with elite NHL and international teams has strengthened Draisaitl’s confidence that Babcock can help Edmonton regain consistency, establish stronger standards and improve its collective performance throughout the upcoming NHL season.How might accountability affect Connor McDavid?Maybe Connor McDavid will be an Edmonton centreman and will have to live up to the same expectations as the rest of the roster. Draisaitl’s comments don’t suggest Babcock’s importance to the Oilers captain will be a reason he avoids confronting him.That could make life a little tougher on Edmonton. A little more accountability may help the Oilers find some consistency, especially when the going gets tough, and they’re looking to their offensive leaders to generate results.The bigger question will be whether Babcock’s methods will translate into results once the NHL schedule starts. Draisaitl’s early endorsement shows the players realise improvement might require direct coaching, even from the team’s biggest stars.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.