The Oilers’ controversial hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach this offseason sent waves through the NHL.
And Hockey Hall of Famer and former Oilers captain Mark Messier, who spent 12 years and won five Stanley Cups with Edmonton, made clear he’s among the critics of the move.
On ESPN’s NHL opening night media call, Messier said he didn’t understand the move at all.
“I am absolutely shocked they hired him,” Messier said. “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.”
“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,” he continued. “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 last head coaching job in 2023 with the Blue Jackets ended without him coaching a single game. He resigned from Columbus after allegations of inappropriate behavior by several players led to an investigation by the NHL Players’ Association.
And prior to Columbus, Babcock was under fire as head coach of the Maple Leafs. During the 2016-17 season, he told then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates based on their work ethic. Babcock then shared this with the team.
Marner’s teammates stood behind Marner and directed their anger at the “list incident” toward Babcock.
Messier explained his biggest concern with the Babcock hire.
“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,” Messier said. “There’s no separation there. I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you. I could go on and on and on, but I think you get my point.”
The NHL conducted an investigation into Babcock’s past coaching stints before clearing him for hire. The Oilers made the decision official on June 23.
The NHLPA, after the league’s investigation said there wasn’t a “current basis” to stop Babcock from being employed.
“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment,” it said. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
