Messier blasts Oilers' Babcock hire, questions player involvement
Mark Messier criticized the Oilers' hiring of Mike Babcock, saying he was shocked and horrified by stories of player treatment. He also questioned the involvement of star players in the coaching decision, citing a lack of separation of powers. Fans reacted with agreement and pointed to Messier's own history with coach Mike Keenan.
Messier's critique centered on the unprecedented player involvement—McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman personally interviewed Babcock before his three-year deal. He argued this creates a structural conflict, compromising team leaders who might need to advocate for players against management. The hire replaced Kris Knoblauch on June 23.
Fans noted the irony, citing Messier's own history with Mike Keenan, a harsh coach under whom he won the 1994 Cup but later saw Trevor Linden traded in Vancouver. Other former players—Commodore, Winnik, Franzen—have detailed Babcock's alleged bullying, while Oilers executives and McDavid defended the process.
This story could reshape how NHL teams approach coaching hires, potentially increasing scrutiny on player input and coach conduct. It may empower players to speak out against abusive environments, but could also create a chilling effect on hiring controversial figures. The debate over separation of powers in team management might resonate beyond hockey, prompting broader conversations about workplace accountability and the balance between leadership and management in high-stakes organizations.