Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were told by Mike Babcock that they are part of the problem behind the Edmonton Oilers' playoff struggles.

What happened?

The meeting took place ahead of Babcock's official appointment as head coach.

Babcock's comments, as reported by Elliotte Friedman, were harsh for two players who have carried the team throughout their NHL careers.

The Oilers have consistently iced competitive teams due to McDavid and Draisaitl's contributions.

Why it matters for Leon Draisaitl

The pressure is on for the Oilers to win a championship with McDavid and Draisaitl on the roster.

Failing to do so would be a catastrophe for the organization.

The team's general manager, Stan Bowman, hopes Babcock can take the team to the next level.

What comes next?

Babcock's hire will continue to be questioned, especially after his comments surfaced.

The Oilers have greater expectations than most NHL teams when it comes to winning the Stanley Cup.

Time is passing quickly for McDavid and Draisaitl, who have been with the team for over a decade.

The chance to win a championship in Edmonton dwindles with each passing year that results in a postseason failure.

Babcock needs to make the best of this opportunity, as it could be his last to coach in the NHL.

The Oilers' performance will mainly come from the efforts of McDavid and Draisaitl.

Babcock's ability to handle role players will be closely watched, as he has been critiqued for this in the past.

The Oilers finished as finalists in 2024 and 2025, but are still without a Stanley Cup win.

Babcock's commanding presence is expected to push the team hard, which is what McDavid and Draisaitl apparently wanted.

Only time will tell if Babcock's strategy will pay off for the Oilers.

The team's postseason failures have sparked scrutiny, and the pressure is on to win a championship.

McDavid and Draisaitl are among the best players in the league, and their performances will be crucial to the team's success.

The Oilers' decision to hire Babcock was made with the expectation that he will provide a strong presence in the room.

Babcock's comments have sparked debate, with some questioning his approach to motivating the team's star players.

The Oilers' performance in the upcoming season will be closely watched, as they look to finally win a Stanley Cup with McDavid and Draisaitl on the roster.