Mark Messier didn’t hide how he feels about the Edmonton Oilers bringing in Mike Babcock.
During ESPN’s 2026 NHL Opening Night media conference call, the Oilers legend blasted the summer hire of the former Red Wings coach, saying he was stunned by the decision. Babcock was fired from his previous two NHL jobs after accusations of bullying players, and the Columbus Blue Jackets let him go before he coached a game.
“My mom always told me if I didn’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all,” Messier said with a laugh. “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.
“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.”
Ferraro’s Son Played For Babcock With Red Wings
Ray Ferraro, also on ESPN and a former NHL forward, offered a much cooler read on the situation. Ferraro has a more direct connection to Babcock than Messier does, since his son Landon was a Red Wings forward who spent time in Detroit’s organization while Babcock was behind the bench.
“I know with Mike, the experience of being around him, and my son was in Detroit’s organization for a while, nobody will have a question about what their role is or what they’re supposed to do,” Ferraro said. “Mike, as you know, likes to talk in 15-second bursts, and everything is extremely direct.
“It’ll either work or it won’t.”
Ferraro said Edmonton understands exactly what kind of coach it hired, and that the fit is intentional.
“You don’t have a whole bunch of players jumping out and saying, ‘Hey, Mike is a great guy,’ that played for him in the past,” Ferraro said. “They say he’s organized, he’s detailed, he’s direct.
“That’s what Edmonton is getting.”
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Anton Johansson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, William Wallinder and Jacob Bernard-Docker are all in the mix, with each trying to make a case before the club settles on its final look. The battle matters because Detroits depth on defense is already obvious, but the last spot will come down to who can best handle the demands of NHL minutes, preseason opportunity and the pressure that comes with being the final man standing on a crowded blue line. [Read more 🡒]