Mark Messier says he is “horrified” by the Edmonton Oilers’ offseason decision to hire Mike Babcock as head coach. Both outlets report that Messier, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former Oilers captain who won five Stanley Cups with the franchise, reacts publicly in connection with the hiring.
The reporting highlights that Messier’s criticism extends beyond the appointment itself. He also questions how the Oilers carry out the hiring process, according to an ESPN-related interview excerpt circulated by one outlet. While both sources focus on Messier’s negative reaction to Babcock’s hiring, they frame the discussion slightly differently—one emphasizes the widespread impact of the move across the NHL, while the other underscores Messier’s concerns about the way Edmonton approached the decision.
Overall, the story centers on Messier’s outspoken view that the Oilers’ coach hire has drawn controversy, aligning with broader criticism surrounding Babcock, while the outlets differ in how much they stress NHL-wide reaction versus the internal aspects of the hiring process.
