Oilers’ Hyman invites Messier to visit team after comments about Babcock

The Edmonton Oilers just can’t seem to avoid drama these days.

After Mark Messier spoke on the Oilers’ hiring of head coach Mike Babcock and how “horrified” he was of the situation on Wednesday, Oilers winger Zach Hyman has responded on behalf of the team, inviting the former franchise legend to visit the team and see the environment for himself.

“Listen, everybody has their own opinion,” Hyman said to the media on Thursday. “He was number 11. I was number 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.

“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. Like I said, 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.”

The Oilers hired Babcock in the summer despite plenty of controversy surrounding the head coach. Stories and allegations first stemmed of his cruel methods from his time as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, but truly hit its peak when Babcock was hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets three years ago, only for him to be fired before playing a preseason game due to similar allegations.

“I am absolutely shocked they hired him,” Messier said during ESPN’s NHL Opening Night media call on Wednesday. “I’m absolutely shocked from the stories that I heard from very good, reputable, character people about the way they were treated.”