Edmonton Oilers
Messier’s Comments on Oilers’ Babcock Spark Debate — Given His Past, Should He Be Talking?
Messier called the Babcock hire “horrifying,” yet his past demands and behind‑the‑scenes influence tell a very different story.
The Edmonton Oilers made one of the most controversial hires of the offseason when they brought in Mike Babcock. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman sat down with him, grilled him on what he could bring, and got grilled right back. Both sides walked away satisfied. Baggage acknowledged, expectations set.
And early returns have been positive. Babcock is pushing pace, pushing intensity, and players have openly praised how demanding practices have been. For now, the experiment looks more structured than chaotic.
Mark Messier Weighs In
The Oilers have taken plenty of heat for their willingness to bring in controversial figures — Stan Bowman, Babcock, and even Alex Formenton. They’ve made it clear they’re not afraid of the optics if they believe the hockey payoff is worth it.
But on ESPN’s NHL Opening Night media call, Mark Messier decided to re‑ignite the Babcock conversation. Greg Wyshynski relayed Messier’s comments, including this shot:
“If it does go bad and players are having difficulties, who do they turn to? Because if they turn to leadership, the leadership is management. There’s no separation there. I am just horrified with the whole thing.”
Messier added he was “absolutely shocked” by stories he’s heard about Babcock’s past treatment of players — stories that have been public for years, from Detroit to Toronto to Columbus.
Fair criticism. But coming from Messier, it lands differently.
Vancouver Hypocrisy
The Oilers expected backlash when they hired Babcock. They braced for it. They set boundaries and they made their expectations clear. And for a while, the noise died down.
Then Messier brought it all back up — and that’s where the hypocrisy kicks in.
Messier was no saint during his playing days. In fact, he wielded more organizational influence than almost any player of his era. Mike Keenan has repeatedly explained how Messier personally orchestrated his arrival in Vancouver:
“I got to Vancouver via Mark Messier. Mark Messier went to the owner [John McCaw]… Mark went to John and said, ‘I’d like Mike Keenan to coach this team.’”
Keenan then went to meet the Canucks owner and had this to say:
“He said, ‘This is the worst negotiation I’ve ever been in before. You are the coach, how much money would you like and what’s the term? That’s the first time — and thank you, Mark — where I’m in a negotiation and the owner says, ‘Tell me what you want. I have to pay you because I’ve already told Mark you’re gonna coach.’”
Keenan described the negotiation as the easiest of his life because ownership had already promised Messier he’d get whatever he wanted. He signed a three‑year deal to match Messier’s term. Messier even had handwritten notes outlining his demands for the organization.
That’s not “player leadership.” That’s direct control.
Brian Burke’e Story Adds Another Layer
Brian Burke in his book Burke’s Law also had stories revolving around Messier and his demands. Kevin Weekes was traded there in the Pavel Bure trade and felt a tweak in his knee. He wanted to get it looked at, but the trainer and Messier convinced him to try his best, and they would have his back.
They ended up losing 4-1 but after the game, Weekes felt better, but the trainer than demanded he have an MRI, making him go through all the protocol now, trying to make his life more difficult. Messier also went to the coaches office where Marc Crawford and Brian Burke were having a beer. Here is how Brian Burke tells it in his book:
“I was sitting in Crow’s office, having a beer after the game, when there was a knock at the door. It was Mess. “Burkie, can I talk to you for a minute?” he asked. I went back into the training room, where he had kicked everyone else out. Then he closed the door behind us. Mess was stripped to the waist and he still had his skates on, so he was towering over me. He leaned in with that look in his eyes. “Trade him or I’ll ******* kill him,” he said, and then walked out. So needless to say, I traded Kevin Weekes. Kevin has gone on to a great broadcasting career, and we get along just fine.”
Playing Days vs. Post‑Playing Morality
Messier is widely regarded as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history. But he wasn’t a passive captain. He wasn’t a “let the coaches coach” guy. He was a force of nature who demanded, influenced, and controlled. Some of those demands crossed lines that would be unacceptable today.
So when Messier says “maybe the game has changed,” it feels a little off. Because the game hasn’t changed that much — the scrutiny has. And the person delivering the warning is someone who once operated with more unchecked power than the coach he’s criticizing.
Right Message, Wrong Messenger
Messier isn’t wrong to question the Babcock hire. The Oilers knew criticism would come, and they prepared for it. But when Messier is the one sounding the alarm, it feels less like a moral stance and more like selective memory.
The Oilers vetted Babcock. They set expectations. They made their choice. And early signs suggest the players are responding.
Messier’s concerns aren’t invalid — but given his own history of demanding coaches, influencing management, and strong‑arming teammates, he might not be the ideal messenger to deliver them.
Next: Oilers Legend Mark Messier Makes Strong Argument Against Mike Babcock Hiring
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