Six-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier just dropped a bomb on the Edmonton Oilers, flat out saying he’s “just horrified” and “absolutely shocked they hired him” after the team brought in Mike Babcock as their new head coach. When an Oilers legend, one of the greatest players in their history, comes out this strong against a move, you know it’s a huge deal.
A Controversial Return for the Bench Boss
Babcock, 63, officially stepped in as coach in June, replacing Kris Knoblauch. And get this: Knoblauch had only coached the Oilers for three seasons and had led them to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals! So, to swap a guy who just delivered consecutive Final appearances for someone like Babcock, it raises some serious eyebrows. Messier didn’t hold back, referencing “reports from reputable sources” about Babcock’s character and how he’s treated people during his NHL career. This isn’t just about X’s and O’s for Messier, it sounds personal.
The whole thing is extra spicy considering Babcock’s most recent NHL exit. He resigned from the Columbus Blue Jackets before the 2023-24 season even started, all thanks to allegations surrounding players’ personal cell phones. An NHL Players Association investigation cleared Babcock later, sure, but that kind of drama doesn’t just disappear. His last gig behind an NHL bench was with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who fired him back in November 2019. It feels like a big gamble for an Oilers team looking to finally get over the hump and bring home a Cup after those two straight Finals appearances.
Resume vs. Reputation: A High-Stakes Bet
Now, you can’t deny Babcock’s resume is stacked. The guy has a regular-season career record of 700-418-164, plus 19 ties. He’s also been a winner on the international stage, coaching Team Canada’s men’s hockey team to Olympic gold medals in both 2010 and 2014. Add in gold at the 1997 IIHF World Junior Championship, the 2004 Men’s World Hockey Championship, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and you see the pedigree.
But for Messier, a former Oilers captain with six rings himself, that extensive history isn’t enough to justify the hire. His comments are a massive voice in the debate surrounding Babcock’s return. The Oilers are making a huge bet that Babcock’s coaching prowess can override the baggage. We’ll see how it plays out when Babcock officially makes his return to an NHL bench on September 29. That’s when the Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks for their 2026-27 regular-season opener. The heat is on from day one!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply