Mark Messier 'Horrified' by Oilers' Hiring of Mike Babcock

Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier has voiced strong disapproval of the Edmonton Oilers' decision to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach, calling himself "horrified" by the move.

Messier, who won five Stanley Cups during his 12-year tenure with the Oilers, expressed his surprise and concern during an ESPN NHL opening night media call. "I am absolutely shocked they hired him," Messier stated. "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… Maybe the game has changed, and that’s the way it’s going. Great. I don’t know. It certainly wasn’t like that."

His primary concern centers on player protection and the perceived lack of a buffer between coaching staff and management. "I think there has to be a separation of powers on the structural level of any team…The leadership of your team have to protect the players inside the dressing room," Messier explained. "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."

Babcock's return to coaching comes after a tumultuous exit from his previous role with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. He resigned before coaching a single game following allegations of inappropriate behavior toward players, which prompted an investigation by the NHL Players’ Association. During his time as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016-17 season, Babcock faced criticism for asking rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates on work ethic and then sharing the list with the team, which reportedly angered Marner's teammates.

Messier elaborated on his apprehension, stating, "I just don’t know, if it does go bad and players are having difficulties, who do they turn to? Because if they turn to the leadership, the leadership is management. There’s no separation there. I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you."

The NHL conducted an investigation into Babcock’s past conduct before clearing him for hire, a decision announced on June 18. The Oilers officially named him head coach on June 23. The NHLPA noted that while the allegations were concerning, the league found "no current basis" to restrict Babcock's employment, expressing an expectation that he would uphold high standards.