Mark Messier didn’t hide how he feels about the Edmonton Oilers bringing in Mike Babcock.
During an ESPN NHL Opening Night media call on Wednesday, the Oilers legend tore into the decision, saying he was stunned by the hire and troubled by what he had heard about Babcock’s treatment of players.
“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, who knows plenty about playing for demanding coaches, pointed to his own time under Mike Keenan with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. Even with that background, he made it clear he sees Babcock’s approach differently.
“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.”
He also took issue with the way the Oilers handled the process. According to Messier, the overlap between management, coaching and players creates a problem when it comes to protecting the room.
“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.”
Some members of the Oilers leadership group had met with Babcock before the hire, and Messier clearly sees that as part of the issue.
His comments carry weight because of where he sits in Edmonton history and because he has lived through tough coaching before. Still, his reaction leaves no doubt that Babcock’s arrival has not been welcomed by everyone tied to the organization.
Whether those concerns prove valid will come later. For now, Babcock has the job, and Messier has already delivered one of the loudest reactions to it.
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