McDavid, Draisaitl 'all-in' on Woodcroft's new ideas

Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are committed to embracing any systematic changes new head coach Jay Woodcroft intends to make.

Woodcroft was brought in to replace Dave Tippett, who was fired Thursday after 16 losses in 23 games.

"Obviously, something needs to change," McDavid said, according to NHL.com's Tim Campbell. "'Woody' is going to come in and put his touch on the group and put his touch on the team. And as players, that's what we want. We're all in this together.

The reigning MVP continued, "I think people forget that we're here to win. We're up here and we come in each and every day and we want to win. We haven't found the formula yet but that's all we want to do. Whatever system (Woodcroft) puts into place, we're happy to play."

Draisaitl echoed his captain's sentiments.

"We need to change something, obviously, and I'm sure 'Woody' will come in with new ideas, with his philosophy, and with his plan, and we're all-in on that," Draisaitl said. "We've got open ears and we're ready to go."

Woodcroft is Edmonton's fourth coach in seven years since McDavid was drafted first overall in 2015. The Oilers are under immense pressure to qualify for the playoffs this spring after being swept in the first round last season but currently sit outside the Western Conference's postseason cut line with 49 points in 44 games.

Woodcroft has never held an NHL head coaching position but is an experienced assistant at the top level and is familiar with several Oilers players due to his time at the helm of Edmonton's AHL affiliate in Bakersfield.