Mark Messier Says He Is 'Horrified' by Oilers' Hiring of Mike Babcock

Mark Messier, one of the most decorated players in Edmonton Oilers history, said he was "horrified" by the team's decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach, citing accusations of misconduct that have followed Babcock in recent years.

Messier, a Hockey Hall of Famer who won five Stanley Cups with the Oilers, has long been closely associated with the franchise. His public criticism of the coaching hire marks a rare instance of a franchise legend openly breaking with team management over a personnel decision.

Babcock, one of the winningest coaches in NHL history, has previously faced accusations related to his conduct with players, which contributed to his departure from prior coaching positions. The specifics of the accusations referenced by Messier were not detailed in the initial report.

Reaction and stakes

The hiring is likely to draw continued scrutiny from fans, media and former players given Babcock's history. How the Oilers organization responds to criticism from a figure as prominent as Messier could shape public perception of the decision going forward.

Neither the Oilers organization nor Babcock had publicly responded to Messier's comments as of the initial report.