Messier Says He Is “Horrified” by Oilers’ Babcock Hire
The former Edmonton captain criticized the June coaching choice and questioned the part veteran players played in the selection process.
Former Edmonton captain Mark Messier said Wednesday he was “horrified” by the Oilers’ decision to hire Mike Babcock as coach. Speaking on an ESPN media call ahead of the NHL season, Messier said accounts he had heard about Babcock’s treatment of people left him shocked by the choice.
Messier also questioned the role of Edmonton’s veteran players in the selection process. He argued that involving team leaders in choosing a coach could make it harder for teammates to seek their help if problems later arise. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman met with Babcock during the process, according to the Oilers’ account of his June introduction. Edmonton management made the hiring decision.
The Oilers hired Babcock on June 23 to replace Kris Knoblauch. Babcock had resigned as Columbus coach before leading a game in 2023, after reports that he asked players to show him personal photos on their phones. The NHL said in June that its review found no current basis to restrict his employment in the league.
Messier’s remarks are a new response to the hiring, which took place three months earlier.
