Story Summary
The Edmonton Oilers report a constructive training camp under new head coach Mike Babcock, with players and staff forging a strong working bond and few internal distractions. Babcock was hired by Edmonton on June 23 to replace Kris Knoblauch, who was fired on May 14, two weeks after the Oilers were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference First Round. Babcock had not coached in the NHL since he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season and came out of retirement to take the job. Captain Connor McDavid said the media focus has been on Babcock rather than players and that “we’ve had a good camp up to this point.” Forward Zach Hyman described camp and the pre-season as “all positive”, noting changes on the ice and excitement among players. Former Oilers star Mark Messier, now an analyst, said he was “shocked” by the hiring and questioned the involvement of McDavid, Hyman and Leon Draisaitl in meeting with Babcock before they gave their approval. McDavid countered that there is a divide between players and the coaching staff. Babcock praised Messier’s leadership and recalled personal interactions with him. Edmonton’s players are publicly backing their new coach despite reservations voiced by a prominent former Oiler.
Key Facts
- Mike Babcock was hired by the Edmonton Oilers on June 23 to replace Kris Knoblauch.
- Kris Knoblauch was fired on May 14, two weeks after the Oilers were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference First Round.
- Babcock had not coached in the NHL since being fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season; he came out of retirement to coach the Oilers.
- Edmonton captain Connor McDavid said training camp has gone well and that outside attention has focused on the coach: “I don’t see a lot of headlines about any players here, I see a lot of headlines about the coach.”
- Oilers forward Zach Hyman said there is “a lot of excitement with training camp” and that “you’re seeing changes on the ice, and it feels good as a player, and it’s all positive. It’s been really good.”
- Former Oilers great Mark Messier, now an analyst, said he was “shocked” Edmonton hired Babcock and criticised the involvement of McDavid, Hyman and Leon Draisaitl in meeting with Babcock before approving the hire.
- Connor McDavid said there is a gap between players and coach, adding that the coaching staff has been “great and getting us ready,”and that it is on players and leaders to be ready to roll.
- Zach Hyman expressed respect for Mark Messier, noting his Stanley Cup history with Edmonton and the Rangers and his Hockey Hall of Fame induction in 2007. Hyman said Messier was welcome to visit Edmonton and see what is happening firsthand.
- Babcock said he has the greatest admiration for Messier, recalled two personal encounters and noted Messier’s competitiveness and leadership; the piece cites Messier as 65 and Babcock as 63.
IHM Discussion
Edmonton’s public message is one of cohesion and concentrated preparation under Mike Babcock. Connor McDavid said headlines have been about Babcock rather than the roster, signalling that the leadership group wants to insulate the dressing room from external noise and keep the immediate focus on on-ice work. Zach Hyman’s description of camp as “all positive” and of visible changes “on the ice” offers an early indication of the staff’s influence without making performance predictions.
Messier’s comments introduce an unavoidable point of tension. He said he was “shocked” by the hire and questioned whether star players should meet with a coaching candidate before management finalised its decision. McDavid, Hyman and Leon Draisaitl met with Babcock, and Messier viewed that as a blurring of the separation between management and player leadership. McDavid stressed there is a gap between players and coach, while Hyman expressed respect for Messier and invited him to see the situation firsthand. Both responses acknowledge Messier’s standing in Edmonton while reasserting the club’s internal boundaries.
Babcock’s return from retirement remains central to the conversation. He had not coached in the NHL since his 2019-20 departure from Toronto, making Edmonton’s decision a high-profile move that has naturally drawn attention. The early message from the dressing room is clear: the players are publicly positive about camp and focused on preparing for the season.
Why It Matters
How a new coach settles in before the season often sets the tone for the opening weeks. The Oilers’ account that training camp has produced visible changes on the ice and a solid bond between players and staff suggests the team is working through the practical demands of installation and adaptation. That process matters for game preparation, chemistry and the locker-room hierarchy: players’ acceptance of a coach’s methods and the staff’s ability to maintain focus are prerequisites for translating pre-season work into consistent regular-season results. Equally, the public disagreement between a revered franchise legend and current leaders raises questions about governance norms and optics; whether that debate affects internal dynamics depends on whether the club keeps its stated divide between players and management intact. For now, the sourced evidence shows the players and coach projecting confidence and readiness.
Fan Pulse
The comments create a mix of respect and curiosity around the Oilers. Hyman called Messier a legend with Edmonton and in hockey, reflecting the esteem he holds among supporters. His invitation for Messier to see events firsthand, alongside his assertion that ” Nothing but good is happening right now”, gives fans a clear expression of the players’ confidence in camp.
Mini Q&A
When was Mike Babcock hired by the Oilers?
Mike Babcock was hired by the Edmonton Oilers on June 23.
Who did Babcock replace and when was that coach fired?
Babcock replaced Kris Knoblauch, who was fired on May 14, two weeks after the Oilers were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in the Western Conference First Round.
Had Babcock coached in the NHL recently before joining Edmonton?
No. Babcock had not coached in the NHL since he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs 23 games into the 2019-20 season; he came out of retirement to coach the Oilers.
What did Mark Messier say about the hiring?
Mark Messier said he was “shocked” that Edmonton hired Babcock and criticised the involvement of Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl in meeting with Babcock before they gave their approval to management.
How did players respond to Messier’s criticism?
Connor McDavid said there is a divide between the players and the coaching staff and stressed the team has had a good camp; Zach Hyman said he respects Messier but that “Nothing but good is happening right now.”
Coach Mark Comment
Early training-camp buy-in matters, but it is only the starting point. The players are describing a positive atmosphere and changes on the ice; the next test is whether that clarity carries into consistent execution once the season begins. Keeping daily standards clear and the focus inside the dressing room will be important as outside debate continues.
IHM Final View
The Oilers are entering their final preparations with players publicly united behind Mike Babcock. Messier’s criticism ensures the hiring will remain a prominent external talking point, but McDavid and Hyman have described a positive camp and a group focused on its work. The durability of that start will become clearer once the season begins.