Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier slams Mike Babcock hiring

Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier has expressed strong disapproval of the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. During an ESPN media call, Messier stated he was “absolutely shocked” and “horrified” by the appointment, citing reports of Babcock’s past misconduct and controversial treatment of players in previous roles with Detroit, Toronto, and Columbus.

Messier also criticized the hiring process, noting that the involvement of team leaders Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman in interviewing Babcock blurs the necessary separation between management and players. He questioned how leadership could protect the locker room if they are directly responsible for hiring the coaching staff.

In response, Oilers winger Zach Hyman invited Messier to visit the team to see the positive environment firsthand. Babcock, who has faced allegations of mental abuse and privacy violations in the past, has expressed respect for Messier’s legacy. The NHL previously cleared the way for Babcock’s employment following an investigation into his departure from Columbus.