Edmonton Oilers
Oilers Legend Mark Messier Makes Strong Argument Against Mike Babcock Hiring
Mark Messier is not a fan of the way the Edmonton Oilers did their Mike Babcok hire. What was his main beef?
Edmonton Oilers legend Mark Messier has made it clear that he was not impressed with his old team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock as their new head coach. Saying, “I am just horrified about the whole thing,” it’s clear where Messier stands.
Messier, who won five Stanley Cups during his Hall of Fame career and spent 12 seasons with the Oilers, was asked about Babcock’s hiring and the process that brought the veteran coach back to the NHL. His colleague at ESPN, Greg Wyshynski, posted the response. Messier said he was “absolutely shocked” the Oilers hired Babcock, citing stories he had heard from people he considers reputable.
What Messier Said About Babcock
Even though he started by saying his mother always told him not to say anything if there wasn’t something nice to say, Messier didn’t hold back. “I am absolutely shocked they hired him. 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.”
He added that he’s never heard of NHL players going out and being part of the coaching hire process in the manner the Oilers leadership group did this summer. “I agree with Ray the way that he was onboarded through the players interviewing him is absolutely something that I’ve never heard of before. Maybe the game has changed, and that’s the way it’s going. Great. I don’t know. It certainly wasn’t like that.”
He argued the two things shouldn’t mix. He explained:
“I think there has to be a separation of powers on the structural level of any team. I think from the management to the coaching to the players, there has to be a divide. 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.”
He added, “Maybe the game has changed to the point where that’s the way things are going now, where players have that much say. 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.”
He closed with, “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.”
Does Messier Have a Point?
Babcock will begin his first season behind the Oilers’ bench since returning to the NHL. The 63-year-old coach has not coached an NHL game since 2019 and took over in Edmonton after the Oilers moved on from Kris Knoblauch following another playoff disappointment. The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman, were instrumental in the team’s decision to hire him.
Despite Babcock’s polarizing past, the Oilers gave him a three-year deal, based almost solely on the player’s recommendations. Babcock warned the top guys that his style wasn’t for everyone and that things will get harder during the season. If they weren’t in 100 percent, he wasn’t interested. The players made the call.
But, is that how it should be? Messier seemed less concerned about Babcock’s past (although that was an issue) and more concerned about what happens if things go sideways. The players can’t complain or turn to anyone if that happens. This was their call. They made their bed and have to lie in it.
Messier questioned whether players should have such a significant voice in the hiring of their coach and whether that creates a difficult dynamic if problems eventually arise.
Babcock Hiring Put Oilers’ Leadership Under Scrutiny
The Oilers have defended their process, with general manager Stan Bowman previously explaining that the organization wanted an experienced coach with a strong résumé and winning pedigree. Babcock himself said the conversations with McDavid, Draisaitl and Hyman were detailed and focused on how the team could improve. He said the players understood what would be expected of them and that they were comfortable with the process.
Maybe that’s good. Maybe it’s not.
His argument is that players need to be players and managers need to be managers. Players shouldn’t be doing the job managers do, because it can create a problematic power dynamic. If the same leadership group that helped influence a coaching decision is also responsible for managing the team, Messier can see everything falling apart.
The Oilers don’t seem to agree with their legendary Hall of Famer. GM Stan Bowman has said the organization wants more players to have meaningful roles, and they’re all saying this is what the players wanted.
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