Oilers Legend's Remarks on Babcock Hiring Called Hypocritical
Mark Messier blasted the Edmonton Oilers' decision to hire Mike Babcock and the players' role in the process, but his stance is seen as hypocritical by the author. Messier claimed the leadership group has too much influence, yet he himself has been involved in team decisions historically. The article suggests his criticism may be more about personal feelings than sound judgment.
Messier's history with the Vancouver Canucks directly undermines his claim that player involvement in coaching hires is unprecedented. He actively lobbied for Mike Keenan's appointment as head coach in Vancouver, a decision that proved disastrous and ended with Keenan fired in under two seasons. Messier has since acknowledged that episode as a significant mistake, yet his current criticism of Edmonton's process ignores this parallel entirely.
The Oilers' recent front-office moves have consistently reflected McDavid's influence, including hiring Kris Knoblauch, his former junior coach, and Jeff Jackson, his ex-agent, as hockey operations CEO. Messier's objection to player input may stem less from principle and more from personal discomfort with how Edmonton's power structure has evolved since his playing days.
This controversy may resonate beyond Edmonton's fanbase, as it highlights a broader tension in professional sports between player empowerment and traditional management hierarchies. Younger fans may see player involvement in hiring as progressive, while older observers like Messier view it as a breakdown of organizational structure. The debate could influence how other franchises approach coaching searches, though each team's dynamics differ significantly.