The ‘most important challenge’ Mike Babcock faces to get Oilers over Stanley Cup hump

The Edmonton Oilers have had a lot of success in recent years, but the club still searches for an elusive Stanley Cup title. Mike Babcock is taking over head coaching duties for the team. A new report argues he faces a tough challenge as he looks to end the team’s Stanley Cup drought.

“Reshaping the Oilers’ defensive identity is easily the single most important on-ice challenge Babcock faces. He has already made his desire for a cohesive, five-man defensive system clear, which will require more buy-in from the forward group. Centres, including McDavid and Draisaitl, will likely be expected to track lower in the defensive zone and break out as a single unit,” The Athletic reported.

Babcock could end up adjusting his lineups for the upcoming campaign.

“We also know from Babcock’s time in Toronto how much he likes a lefty-righty configuration for his defence pairs. This wasn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but he made his displeasure for same-handedness pairs well known. The complementary setup is intended to prevent defenders from being handcuffed and improve the success rate of their outlet passes,” the outlet added.

Babcock has had success in the NHL, but he has also caused some controversy. He briefly had the job as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets a few years ago, but stepped down after questions were raised about how he treated players.

The Oilers made the Stanley Cup Playoffs during the 2025-26 season. Edmonton lost to the Anaheim Ducks in a playoff series. Edmonton also reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025.

Babcock replaced Kris Knoblauch as the Oilers head coach. Knoblauch was fired by the team, after their 2025-26 season ended.

Edmonton last won the Stanley Cup in 1990. The franchise has five Stanley Cup titles.

The post The ‘most important challenge’ Mike Babcock faces to get Oilers over Stanley Cup hump appeared first on ClutchPoints.