Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier voiced sharp criticism regarding the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. Speaking on an ESPN NHL media call, the Hall of Famer stated that he was deeply troubled by both the appointment and the hiring process itself.
Mark Messier Slams Edmonton Oilers Over Mike Babcock Hiring
I’m absolutely shocked they hired him,
Messier said during the media call, according to TheScore. I’m absolutely shocked from the stories that I heard from very good, reputable, character people about the way they were treated. It’s been no secret.
Babcock was hired in June as the 19th head coach in Oilers history, succeeding Kris Knoblauch, after a hiring process that involved interviews with key Edmonton players including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman.
Concerns Over Player Involvement and Management Separation
Beyond Babcock’s past, Messier criticized the structural implications of allowing players to interview coaching candidates before a hire is finalized. The six-time Stanley Cup champion argued that player involvement blurs necessary organizational boundaries.
The leadership of your team have to protect your players inside the dressing room,
Messier said, according to TSN. How can you do that when you’re directly involved with the decisions they’re making at the management level and hiring of the management and coaches? I don’t understand it.
Messier questioned who players could turn to with difficulties if the team leadership is directly intertwined with management decisions. McDavid previously addressed the arrangement, stating that the Oilers would step in if Babcock crossed a line, but Messier remained unconvinced by the setup.
Babcock’s Controversial Past and League Clearance
Babcock’s return to an NHL bench follows a lengthy absence. He resigned as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 before coaching a game after allegations surfaced that he invaded players’ privacy by asking to see and display personal photos from their cellphones.
Prior to his brief Columbus stint, Babcock faced other controversies during his coaching career. While leading the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2016-17 season, he had rookie Mitch Marner rank teammates by competitiveness and shared the list with the rest of the team. Additionally, former Detroit Red Wings player Johan Franzen stated in 2019 that Babcock had verbally abused him to the point of a mental breakdown.
Before appointing Babcock, Edmonton management requested an NHL investigation, which was conducted alongside the NHL Players’ Association. The league ultimately cleared Babcock, concluding there was no current basis to restrict his employment. GM Stan Bowman pointed to Babcock’s extensive experience as a key factor in the hiring. Babcock previously led the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory in 2008 and coached Team Canada to Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014.
Despite the league clearance and support from team captains, Messier made clear that his concerns remain unresolved as the team opens its season. I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you,
Messier said, according to Gino Hard. I could go on and on and on, but I think you get my point.