Oilers Legend Mark Messier Pushes Back on Mike Babcock Hiring

Mark Messier is unhappy with the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to hire Mike Babcock. In fact, the former Oilers and legendary Hall of Famer says he’s “horrified” by the decision.

Likely coming from a place of concern for his former team rather than trying to bash them, Messier wasn’t shy about sharing his feelings on the Babcock news. Speaking Wednesday on ESPN’s NHL Opening Night media call, the Oilers great said, “I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you.” He said he was “absolutely shocked” by the hire, citing stories from “very good, reputable, character people” about how they were treated by Babcock.

Whoa. My colleague Mark Messier on the Oilers hiring Mike Babcock as head coach, during the ESPN NHL Opening Night media call today.

"I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you."

Messier also objected to how the Oilers went about it. He said he had never heard of players interviewing a coach the way Edmonton’s leadership group did this summer. “Maybe the game has changed, and that’s the way it’s going,” he said. “It certainly wasn’t like that.”

His larger point was about structure. He argued for a “separation of powers” between management, coaching and players, saying team leaders can’t protect the dressing room if they help make hiring decisions. If things go badly, he asked, who do the players turn to? There might be some truth to what Messier is talking about as the early speculation from the Babcock hire was that a select few Oilers were spearheading the move, but not everyone else was thrilled. Ultimately, the overall response from the team was a positive one, but there’s still some concern about how rookies and depth players might be treated versus the stars.

Then again, some observers have noted that Messier was involved in Vancouver’s 1997 hiring of Mike Keenan, suggesting he may not be the right person to speak on this matter. He may have done then what he now criticizes.

Inside the Oilers’ room, there is little sign of concern. The 63-year-old Babcock, who hasn’t coached an NHL game since 2019, was hired after the team moved on from Kris Knoblauch, and both management and players have said openly that the players drove the decision.

At camp, Connor McDavid didn’t flinch when Babcock called one practice lackluster. “I want the standard to be at the very highest, and if he didn’t like practice, he didn’t like practice,” McDavid said. “We’ll be better tomorrow.”

Leon Draisaitl called the first day “intense,” saying Babcock “wants things done a certain way and he wants them done right.” That day, Babcock reportedly stopped a drill within minutes after Draisaitl cheated for offense and made the group restart. Later, Draisaitl said, “I’m excited to learn from him.”

Zach Hyman admitted that you needed to pay attention in practice, with other leaders saying the vibes are solid, even if the on-ice sessions can be taxing.

McDavid also addressed what happens if problems arise. “Babs is there to be Babs and to coach the way that he sees fit,” he said. “We’re also a team and teammates who care about each other. If there’s an area or a place where we have to step in, of course we’re going to do that. But we would do that with any coach.”