Mike Babcock downplays Toronto return ahead of Oilers-Maple Leafs matchup

Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock made his return to Scotiabank Arena on Friday, heading toward the visitors' dressing room instead of the home side he frequented for hundreds of practices as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Babcock, who was fired by Toronto in November 2019 following a six-game skid, brushed aside questions regarding his legacy ahead of Saturday night's game against his former club.

Reflecting on his tenure that began in 2015 under former general manager Lou Lamoriello, Babcock acknowledged fond memories of his first three years alongside a franchise record for points, while noting the lack of playoff success with a young roster. When pressed further about his history in Toronto, Babcock dismissed the nostalgia with a blunt quip: "This is five years ago, right? The Beatles broke up, remember?"

The two franchises enter the weekend trending in vastly different directions. Babcock has guided the Oilers to second in the NHL standings by points percentage, propelled by Connor McDavid's league-leading 49 points during a 20-game point streak. Conversely, the Maple Leafs under current head coach and former Babcock assistant Jim Hiller are mired in a slump, dropping five consecutive games and seven of their last eight to sit second-last in the Atlantic Division.

During Friday's uptempo practice, Babcock ran his skaters through high-intensity drills with his trademark demanding style. Having previously captured a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and signed an eight-year, $50-million deal with Toronto in 2015, the veteran bench boss compiled a 173-133-45 record with the Leafs before his dismissal.