Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman invited Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Messier to visit the team and observe its internal culture firsthand following Messier’s public criticism of head coach Mike Babcock. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Babcock’s appointment in Edmonton, a hiring that cleared the NHL’s review process last June after prior controversies involving player treatment.
Zach Hyman Responds to Mark Messier’s Criticism
Speaking on Sept. 24, 2026, Zach Hyman addressed comments made by Mark Messier a day earlier on ESPN, where the former Oilers star stated he was “horrified” by the team’s decision to hire Mike Babcock. Messier spent 12 seasons with Edmonton and remains a revered figure in the franchise, holding a legacy that includes the retired No. 11 jersey which Hyman previously wore throughout his career before joining the Oilers.
“Listen, everybody has their own opinion,” Hyman said. “[Messier] was No. 11. I was No. 11 for the longest time, and I couldn’t wear the jersey here because he’s revered here. He’s a legend with the Oilers and in hockey, obviously. So, I think that everybody in the game respects him.”
Hyman pushed back on the external negativity surrounding the coaching change, extending an open invitation to the franchise legend. “I think if he really wants to see what’s going on firsthand, he’s more than welcome to come here. I think Oilers fans love him. There’s a lot of excitement. There’s a lot of positivity here. Nothing but good is happening right now. So to try and spew something negative right now, I think it’s his opinion. I have a lot of respect for him, and if he’d like to see what’s going on, he’s more than welcome to come down.”
Background on Mike Babcock’s Hiring in Edmonton
The Oilers hired Babcock in the spring after firing Kris Knoblauch, who had guided Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances before a first-round playoff exit last season. While Babcock boasts a decorated resume featuring a Stanley Cup title with the Detroit Red Wings and two Olympic gold medals with Canada, his past coaching tenures have been marred by documented player allegations regarding his methods.
During his press conference previewing the upcoming NHL season, Messier detailed his reservations about the franchise’s new leadership. “I am absolutely shocked they hired him,” Messier said. “I’m absolutely shocked from the stories that I heard from very good, reputable, character people about the way they were treated. It’s been no secret.”
Those criticisms stem from multiple well-publicized incidents across Babcock’s career. Former Red Wings star Johan Franzen previously attributed his emotional breakdown to Babcock’s verbal attacks. When Babcock was dismissed by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019 following a five-year stint, then-president Brendan Shanahan publicly stated that the coach’s tactics were neither appropriate nor acceptable. In Toronto, Babcock also generated controversy by asking forward Mitch Marner to rank his teammates’ work ethic in confidence and subsequently sharing those lists with the rest of the roster.
More recently, the Columbus Blue Jackets hired Babcock in 2023, but he resigned before coaching a single game after violating player privacy by requesting access to personal cellphone camera rolls.
NHL Clearance and League Investigation
Following his resignation in Columbus, the NHL launched an investigation into Babcock’s conduct. That review concluded in June, clearing the path for Edmonton or any other franchise to secure his services.
“Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment,” the NHL stated.
Did you know? Mark Messier wore No. 11 throughout his storied career with the Edmonton Oilers, leading the franchise to multiple Stanley Cup titles before his number was officially retired by the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mark Messier criticize the Oilers’ hiring of Mike Babcock?
Mark Messier stated he was “horrified” and “shocked” by the hire due to stories he heard from reputable hockey figures concerning Babcock’s past coaching methods and player treatment.
What was Zach Hyman’s response to Mark Messier?
Zach Hyman expressed deep respect for Messier’s legacy in Edmonton but invited the Hall of Famer to visit the team in person to witness the positive environment and excitement currently surrounding the locker room under Babcock.
Did the NHL investigate Mike Babcock before his hiring in Edmonton?
Yes. The NHL investigated Babcock’s resignation from Columbus in 2023, and league officials announced in June that there was no current basis to restrict his employment.
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