Mike Babcock says Edmonton’s players have an opportunity to establish themselves under a new coach, but exhibition games will help him decide who can handle particular assignments.
Speaking after the Oilers’ training-camp scrimmage Friday, Sept. 18, Babcock said he expects to learn more once he can evaluate players in games, particularly against lineups containing more NHL opposition.
He said he watched individual details during the scrimmage and made notes for discussions with players, rather than drawing firm conclusions about their performances.
On playing time, Babcock said Edmonton needs to give its bottom-six forwards greater importance. He wants their involvement to help keep the leading forwards around 21 minutes a night, allowing the Oilers to pressure opponents without overworking their best players.
Asked whether understanding an assignment matters more than minutes, Babcock said a young player can struggle mentally after spending too long on the bench. An experienced veteran who knows his job is better equipped to handle that wait, he said.
He pointed to Mathieu Joseph as a player who understands his responsibilities, including penalty killing.
“But he also doesn’t want to play three minutes,” Babcock said.
Babcock said those assignments still need to be tested. He could not commit to using a fourth line for defensive-zone faceoffs before knowing whether it could win the draw. He wants players to understand their responsibilities, but cannot yet answer every question about how those roles will be allocated.
Asked where his attention to detail originated, Babcock described borrowing methods from other coaches. He cited Perry Pearn and Clare Drake among his influences, and said he continued learning throughout his career.
“So I guess just everywhere you go it’s lifelong learning,” he said.
Babcock said detailed instruction must still leave players room to play. He is adjusting the workload through camp, trying to improve the team without getting players hurt.
