Oilers Newest Signings Talk About Extensions, Playing Under Babcock

Both Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson are bothered in the least by the fact that they might have signed up to play the next several seasons on an Edmonton Oilers team that could be coached by one of the most polarizing coaches in the NHL. It’s possible each just committed to playing under Mike Babcock, but neither has an issue with it.

When asked about the speculation that Babcock might be coming in with baggage, Murphy responded, “It’s hard for us to speculate” after our minds have been on signing and staying with the team. He added, “I think just in general, the one thing I feel about the team we’ve been a part of there is being more of a veteran group, a very mature group. I feel like whatever coach comes in, whatever they try to implement accountability-wise, or structure-wise, or discipline, I think guys will handle it and I think guys really want to be coached. Anything I think that’s thrown this team’s way, they’re going to really grasp it and try to get the best of each other with whatever’s given.”

Dickinson added, “Whoever the coach may be, obviously, you speak of the speculation of Babcock. If he’s reinstated by the league, then he’s welcome to coach in the league; there are no concerns about that. It’s exciting that it’s a possibility; he has a great track record. He’s won some big tournaments for Canada and he’s done well for himself.”