Hyman Invites Messier to See Oilers Camp After Babcock Criticism

Zach Hyman invited Mark Messier to visit the Edmonton Oilers after the former captain criticized the team's decision to hire Mike Babcock as coach.

Speaking Thursday, Hyman said he respects Messier and understands his standing with the Oilers. He said Messier was “more than welcome to come here” if he wanted to see the team firsthand.

Messier said Wednesday that he was shocked Edmonton hired Babcock and questioned the involvement of players in the hiring process. Hyman described the atmosphere at training camp as positive, saying the players were excited by the work they had done under the new coach.

“Nothing but good is happening right now,” Hyman said. He added that Messier was entitled to his opinion.