Oilers head coach Mike Babcock responds to Mark Messier’s comments with praise
Babcock said he has nothing but respect for Messier after the Oilers legend questioned player involvement in his hiring.
- On Thursday, Oilers coach Mike Babcock responded to criticism from Mark Messier, telling reporters he has "nothing but respect" for the six-time Stanley Cup winner despite Messier saying he was "horrified" by the hiring.
- Speaking to ESPN a day earlier, Messier said he was "absolutely shocked they hired" Babcock, citing stories from "reputable, character people about the way they were treated." The hiring triggered immediate criticism from Oilers fans and others around the league.
- The 63-year-old Babcock resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 after requests for personal photos from players were denounced as too invasive. Defending his record, Babcock praised Messier as a "hard leader, two-way competitive" player he had dealt with twice.
- Oilers player Zach Hyman, who spent five seasons under Babcock in Toronto, served as a key voice defending the hiring and remains one of Edmonton's most respected figures for his two-way play and intelligence.
- Babcock, who last coached an NHL game in 2019, faces questions about his past treatment of players as Edmonton moves forward with its new coach. The organization appears committed despite outside scrutiny and concerns about the unconventional hiring process.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Oilers head coach Mike Babcock responds to Mark Messier’s comments with praise
A day after being blasted publicly by Mark Messier, Edmonton’s new coach Mike Babcock had only kind words for the Oilers legend. Babcock told reporters Thursday he has “nothing but respect” for Messier, just one-day after the six-time Stanley Cup winner said he was “horrified” by the Oilers’ off-season hire. “I’m younger than him,” Babcock […]
Oilers’ Hyman Invites Messier to Discuss Babcock Controversy
The Edmonton Oilers just can’t seem to avoid drama these days. After Mark Messier spoke on the Oilers’ hiring of head coach Mike Babcock and how “horrified” he was of the situation on Wednesday, Oilers winger Zach Hyman has responded on behalf of the team, inviting the former franchise legend to visit the team and see the environment for himself. “Listen, everybody has their own opinion,” Hyman said to the media on Thursday. “He was number 11. I…
Mike Babcock responds to Mark Messier saying he was ‘horrified’ Oilers hired him
A day after being eviscerated by the normally non-confrontational Mark Messier, Mike Babcock responded to the Hockey Hall of Famer’s criticism after the Oilers’ training camp skate on Thursday. In ESPN’s 2026 NHL Opening Night media conference call, Messier said he was “horrified” both about the Oilers’ hiring of the disgraced head coach and the
'I Have Nothing But Respect For Him': Oilers' Babcock Responds To Messier's Comments
After morning skate on Thursday, Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock briefly shared his thoughts on Mark Messier after the Hall of Famer made comments about the team's decision to hire him behind the bench.
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