Messier 'Horrified' by Oilers' Hire of Babcock: A Legacy in Crisis

When Respect Fades: The Fallout from Babcock's Hire

Mark Messier, the legendary figure who defined a generation of Edmonton Oilers hockey, was left speechless when he learned the team had hired Mike Babcock as their new head coach. In an exclusive interview during the NHL season preview, Messier wasn't just disappointed—he was absolutely horrified.

"I am absolutely shocked they hired him," Messier said, his voice tinged with disbelief and frustration. "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."

This reaction isn't just personal—it speaks to something deeper. For someone like Messier, who spent his entire career in the spotlight of hockey greatness, seeing a coach with a dark legacy being given a second chance at leadership is deeply unsettling.

From Glory to Controversy: Babcock's Coaching Legacy

Babcock's résumé is undeniably impressive. He's won a Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. Yet, beneath the surface of those accomplishments lies a history marred by allegations of psychological mistreatment.

• Former Red Wings star Johan Franzen described Babcock's "verbal attacks" as causing an emotional breakdown.
• In Toronto, then-president Brendan Shanahan called his coaching methods "inappropriate or acceptable," leading to his dismissal after five seasons.
• In 2023, he was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets but never coached a single game after violating players' privacy by requesting their phone camera rolls—a move that sparked an NHL investigation.

Despite all of this, the NHL recently cleared Babcock to return to coaching, opening the door for him to take over as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. That decision has ignited a firestorm across hockey circles.

The Oils' Leadership: A Bold but Risky Decision?

What makes this situation particularly complex is that the Oilers didn't just hire Babcock—they did so with direct input from their star players: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman. These athletes, who are among the best in the league, personally vetted Babcock before the team signed him.

Jeff Jackson, the team's CEO of hockey operations, explained that it was a natural step: "They've earned the right to have a voice. We sought that and we decided."

But for those of us who've watched Messier's leadership and integrity on the ice and off, such a move feels like a betrayal of the very values that built the Oilers' reputation.

Messier's Concerns: A Warning from the Past

Messier, now a respected ESPN analyst, took issue with how this hiring process unfolded. "I think there has to be a separation of powers on the structural level of any team," he emphasized. "The leadership of your team has to protect the players inside the dressing room. 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? 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."

This isn't just about one coach—it's a warning sign for all of hockey about how far we're willing to go in the name of winning.

Other Voices in Disbelief

Messier wasn't alone in his criticism. Former defenseman Mike Commodore took to social media, stating: "Anyone who cleared the way for Mike Babcock to get another opportunity in the NHL should be ashamed of themselves."

Former forward Daniel Winnik, who played under Babcock in Toronto, went even further, calling him "a bully" and "the only guy that has ever made me hate hockey," during a radio interview.

These are not casual complaints. These are heartfelt confessions from men who've lived through the impact of Babcock's behavior firsthand.

The Heart of the Matter: Integrity vs. Winning

As I reflect on this, it becomes clear that this moment isn't just about the Oilers or even Babcock himself—it's a defining point in how hockey chooses to move forward. We've seen too many coaches who were successful on the ice but failed when it came to treating their players with dignity.

When you put someone like Babcock at the helm of a team, you're not just choosing tactics or strategy—you're choosing character. And that's something no amount of success can make up for.

A Call for Responsibility

In a sport built on heart and honor, the Oilers' decision to bring Babcock back into the fold raises serious questions about what we value. Are we willing to compromise the culture of our game for short-term gains?

It's a tough pill to swallow, but if this hiring sets a precedent, it could change everything.

As Messier said, "I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you." That horror isn't just about the past—it's about what it means for the future of hockey.