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Mark Messier slams Edmonton Oilers decision to hire Mike Babcock: 'I am just horrified'

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Sep 23 2026, 8:19 pm
Mark Messier slams Edmonton Oilers decision to hire Mike Babcock: 'I am just horrified'
Edmonton Oilers

The hiring of Mike Babcock doesn’t have the approval of Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier.

The decision to bring in Babcock drew plenty of scrutiny over the summer, though it was more so from those outside of the organization.

That changed on Wednesday, as the Oilers icon didn’t mince words when asked about his thoughts on the hiring.

“I’m absolutely shocked they hired him,” Messier said during an ESPN NHL Opening Night media call. “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.”

Messier is no stranger when it comes to playing for coaches prone to using intimidation tactics when it comes to getting the best out of players. He played under Mike Keenan both with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.

Clearly, he thinks that there is a difference between Babcock’s methods and those of other hard coaches.

“I am just horrified about the whole thing, to be honest with you,” Messier said. “I could go on and on and on, but I think you get my point.”

It has been well documented that some of the Oilers leadership group met with Babcock prior to his hiring. Messier also believes that is an issue in its own right.

“I think from the management to the coaching to the players, there has to be a divide,” he explained. “The leadership of your team have 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? I don’t understand it.”

Whether Messier’s concerns ultimately prove justified remains to be seen, but his comments are notable given his place in Oilers history and his experience playing under demanding coaches.

Babcock now has the opportunity to prove his critics wrong in Edmonton, but it’s clear the decision to bring him in has not received a ringing endorsement from everyone within the Oilers family.

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