NHL legend rips Oilers for coaching hire: ‘Just horrified’

NHL Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion Mark Messier publicly criticized the Edmonton Oilers for hiring Mike Babcock as their new head coach, saying he was 'absolutely shocked' and 'horrified' by the decision. Messier, who won his titles as a player with the Oilers and now works as an ESPN analyst, made the remarks during a media call for ESPN NHL Opening Night on September 24, 2026. He cited troubling accounts from 'reputable, character people' about how they were treated under Babcock, and also questioned management's decision to have players interview Babcock for the position.