Mark Messier criticized Edmonton’s hiring of Mike Babcock as head coach, saying he was “horrified” and “absolutely shocked.” The six-time Stanley Cup champion also pointed to reports from reputable sources about Babcock’s character and treatment of people during his NHL career.
Edmonton hired Babcock in June to replace Kris Knoblauch, who coached the Oilers for three seasons and led them to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Babcock resigned from Columbus before the 2023-24 season amid allegations about players’ personal cell phones; an NHL investigation requested by the NHL Players’ Association later cleared him.
Babcock’s return to an NHL bench is scheduled to begin Sept. 29, when Edmonton opens the 2026-27 season against Vancouver. He last coached in the league before Toronto fired him in November 2019; his regular-season record is 700-418-164, with 19 ties.
