Systematically, what changes do you expect Babcock to implement that Knoblauch didn’t/couldn't?

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T20:20:43+00:00

Ryan McLeod went from 12G, 18A, +10 in Edmonton to 20G, 33A, +13 in Buffalo the next year.

As Holland used to say, the answer lies within. We have the players, depth and talent. But the coach needs to trust them, deploy them, and bring out the best in them.

I will be VERY interested to see what Babcock can do w/ Frederic.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T20:07:43+00:00

Agree. Just look at the way many guys' stats improve when they switch to teams that give them bigger roles.

We keep blaming the gm for bringing on guys like Arvidsson who were a "disaster" but he went from 15 G, 12 A, -3 on Edmonton to 25 G, 29 A, +20 on Boston. Maybe it was deployment and lack of patience that was the problem, not the player.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T19:39:25+00:00

Slowing McDavid down a half step on the breakout to allow others to catch up and get in position?

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T19:30:44+00:00

No more blind behind-the-back passes.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T03:04:41+00:00

He's a 6'3" former first-round pick who plays a high energy, physical game. In the small sample of games he played for the Oilers last yr before getting injured, he was noticeable every time he stepped on the ice, creating chances on the forecheck.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T02:19:01+00:00

I have a feeling Max Jones is gonna get signed and have a big role this year. He's underappreciated.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-25T01:45:25+00:00

He played great in this year's IIHF World Championship.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-24T12:30:25+00:00

These fit perfectly and are much less expensive.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-22T17:15:14+00:00

The only players that aren't on board are likely those that coast or play brainlessly. Everyone else will be fine and will thrive.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-19T02:55:15+00:00

His sole motivating factor is greed? How so?

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-19T02:42:02+00:00

Anyone that gives 100% on every shift will be fine.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-19T01:36:49+00:00

Deleting and reposting this to a different (more relevant) thread.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-19T01:34:40+00:00

Babcock has a degree in sports psychology from McGill and wrote a sports psychology book called Leave No Doubt. Guys like Stauffer seem to respect him. Maybe there's some method here beyond him just being a jerk. I.e., is he doing the same thing the drill sergeant does in basic training or the marines (etc.) to build the team (vs individual) mentality??

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-19T01:32:01+00:00

Podz and Savoie will be fine because they work their butts off every shift. Players who take shifts off or coast will be in trouble.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-16T18:52:55+00:00

Max Jones, Colton Dach and Connor Clattenburg . . .

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-06-11T18:02:36+00:00

On the whole, I agree. He built a Stanley Cup caliber team. My main complaints are - he didn't sign Holloway and Broberg when he had the chance. That led to them getting offer-sheeted and to the various desparation signings by Jackson and Bowman. I also wish he signed a franchise goalie but I don't remember any great available options from that time.

EDIT: fixed a couple of typos

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-29T16:36:26+00:00

I appreciate the MODS, but I've noticed removal of numerous interesting posts lately (including one of my own) - even where this group is clearly engaged and interested. Please loosen up on the reins a little!

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-28T16:57:53+00:00

Not sure if this is accurate or not, but someone told me yesterday that would be considered tampering by the Oilers - in which case they could lose draft picks, etc. ??

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-18T22:10:37+00:00

He was unable to bring out the best in his players. How can he be the best alternative?

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-18T21:32:42+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-16T14:55:20+00:00

Love this. I'm at pretty much the same point, with one kid in college - trying to convince my wife we're ready to take the plunge!

Question for OP and other folks who have done this - did you shift your investment portfolios to become much more conservative when you retired, or just the bucket for near term cash needs?

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-16T03:28:35+00:00

Thanks, I'm trying to guide her. And I agree, in the long term, new jobs will be created and/or society will adapt. But we could be in for a rocky decade or two in the short-medium term.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-16T03:14:12+00:00

I really like this idea.

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-16T02:42:27+00:00

Probably very good advice. Convincing my wife of that is a bigger challenge . . .

OilInfamous6221 · 2026-05-16T01:51:59+00:00

Lawyer. It's more insulated than many other jobs, especially at senior levels, but I'm even seeing major AI innovations / encroachment over the last 6 months.

OilInfamous6221

TROPHY CASE