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Hyman Invites Messier to See Oilers’ Atmosphere Under Babcock
Edmonton forward Zach Hyman defended the mood around the team after Mark Messier criticized the decision to hire Mike Babcock.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Hyman offers a firsthand look
Zach Hyman has invited Mark Messier to visit the Oilers and assess the environment under Mike Babcock for himself, responding to the franchise legend’s sharp criticism of Edmonton’s coaching hire. Hyman described a team atmosphere marked by enthusiasm and optimism. While acknowledging Messier’s standing in Edmonton and throughout hockey, he pushed back against the negative assessment and said the former Oilers star would be welcome to observe what is happening around the club. The forward also noted their shared connection to No. 11, which Hyman wore before joining Edmonton but could not retain because the Oilers had retired it in Messier’s honor.
Hiring draws scrutiny
Messier, who played 12 seasons for Edmonton, objected to Babcock’s appointment because of accounts he had heard about the coach’s treatment of players. The Oilers hired Babcock after dismissing Kris Knoblauch in the spring. Knoblauch had guided Edmonton to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances before last season’s first-round playoff elimination. Babcock’s coaching résumé includes a Stanley Cup championship with Detroit and two Olympic gold medals with Canada. His career has also been clouded by players’ allegations of mental abuse.
League cleared path to employment
Former Detroit forward Johan Franzen linked verbal mistreatment by Babcock to his emotional breakdown. Following Babcock’s dismissal by Toronto in 2019, Brendan Shanahan criticized his coaching methods. Babcock also shared Mitch Marner’s assessments of teammates with those players after seeking the comments in supposed confidence. The NHL investigated Babcock’s resignation in Columbus. In June, the league concluded that its findings provided no current grounds to bar his employment, allowing Edmonton to proceed with the hire.
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