Mark Messier Weighs In On Leon Draisaitl Controversy | The Big Picture

On this edition of The Big Picture, Chris Simpson sits down with Mark Messier to discuss writing his book, his love for broadcasting, Leon Draisaitl's showdown with a reporter, and more.

[@greggae2735]

How did he go this whole six and a half minutes without throwing an elbow? He’s changed!

[@tyronebiggums1213]

I was amazed with his level of restraint as well. I didn’t think he had it in him.

[@reubination]

Nothing wrong with elbows. Gordie Howe used them all the time.

[@reubination]

@ronin Gordie never answered the bell …. he rang THEIR bell. Messier had his share of fights, but not many guys are going to fight a star player. Back in Gordie Howe’s era the star status was not a huge presence because the pay was crap and thus players felt much more equal. And remember only 6 teams in the league. And you better believe their were tons of prospects. Can you imagine if the current NHL was pared down to 6 teams lol. Imagine how good the hockey would be. I mean it’s obviously a ridiculous thought as players wouldn’t be making much money and you would be going to watch games in facilities not quite as nice as todays haha. But the skill would be incredible. There would only be a 120 players in the league or so. That’s like taking the best 4 players from each team today.

[@mcdangles971]

@ronin Messier has over 50 fights in his NHL career, and 38 in an Oilers sweater.

[@hewtwo]

So, the media creates this story. Insists it's a controversy, (it's not). And creates more content around the issue. Straight up manufacturing 'news'. Got it. The real story is a rude , entitled, self-righteous reporter badgering a professional with the most mind numbing questions, then faking offense when he's given a short answer. Get real.

[@rising8920]

well, lets not pretend leon has a "professional" attitude in any way

[@nev6502]

@@rising8920 He is a league top scorer nearly every year as of late. He is that much better than the others. You don't get that way by being "entitled". You can't even come close to that with anything less than world class professionalism. I want a good hockey player on my team. If he's pissy when asked cringey, mean spirited questions AFTER the game, so be it.

[@tromedl]

@@rising8920 was it professional of the reporter to call him pissy? I think Leon responded well. That reporter was pissy himself.

[@tromedl]

I have been wondering two questions. Why is no one in the media call out that reporter for being downright unprofessional? Don't they really see anything wrong with that?

[@nev6502]

@@tromedl A decade ago I'd agree with you. But this is 2022.

[@joeidaho5938]

Draisaitl simply points out the problem with Canadian media, as a whole, when it comes to hockey.

[@leafsfan71]

Spot on dude....

[@Babaganoosh69]

There's no problem, a reporter and a player got into a spat that's it. Let's stop with the pearl clutching. All reporters that cover important sports in their respective markets are hard on the players it's not just an NHL thing.

[@bdgannon1473]

... versus the ADvantage of american media, which is clueless. That whatcha' mean ?

[@joeidaho5938]

@@bdgannon1473 The advantage of living in the US is that the media doesn't care much about hockey. Here...the fans and media are obsessed with it....and it really takes a toll on players who play in Canada. This is definitely not the first incident of a player being pissed at the media...lol.

[@proxy2257]

@@joeidaho5938 Oh me, poor athletes have to play somewhere where people actually give a damn about the sport. There all afraid of being the biggest show in town. Sick of this damn media and I'm sick of these weak athletes that's the reason Canada hasn't won a cup in 30 years. You're right, nobody wants to play here nobody wants to be here Canada will never win a cup again.

[@yoggz]

Question starts @ 2:15

[@jzimm1075]

Music throughout the interview: very distracting. These are two seasoned professionals. They don’t need the frills. Their words are enough.

[@harmagician1]

I remember as a kid in BC watching Messier, Gretzky, Coffey and company just skating circles around teams and scoring with beautiful passing. It was very inspiring to watch.

[@davidwilson9976]

Still a highlight getting Messier's and Ranford's autograph during the 1991 Flames/Oilers series.

[@davidgray3294]

Thank you Christine - Great interview as always

[@FERNANDOAUGUSTO-fv1ck]

Controversy? I see nothing, other than the news guy asking a question and starting to cry because he didn't like the answer

[@philipbrougham6583]

How is this being labelled a "controversy"? The media is terrible both in and out of sports - this is a perfect of example of what's wrong and how it works so well at the same time. This headline got me fired up; made me click on the video; and here I am commenting = engagement = $$$ = the media continuing to piss people off.

[@thedrisin5632]

Seriously literally every single comment is saying good for Leon or they wouldn’t have the same patience he had

[@scott-ryanabt6039]

Interestingly, the only Canucks footage in the opener is him scoring in the 94 Cup Final. Yeah. I'm still not over it.

[@KevinQ25]

That’s cause every Canucks fan would like to erase his tenure with the Canucks from history. They did us a service.

[@stentorofsparta3576]

Elbows and goals, canucks legend mark messier.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

haha, he didn't even care to throw any elbows in vancouver.

[@Jingling-MelO]

You could say the same for Bure. Elbows and Goals. Lol. But more of the latter.

[@Jingling-MelO]

@@okyouknowwhatever my fondest memory of Messier in Vancouver was when he fell backwards into the net and smacked the back of his head on the crossbar. Legend.

[@nodrush80]

@@Jingling-MelO Too many good memories of destroying the knuckle draggers.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

@@Jingling-MelO Bure just threw one famous elbow though, on Churla. He had a dirty streak though and kicked Keith Tkachuk in the skates, et cetera. But he was a small guy in a brutal league and had to stand up for himself against bigger players trying to bully him. Dallas and Tkachuk tried to bully and intimidate him. Messier was a bully himself.

[@TR-lt4xc]

Kind of feel bad that people won't let this Legend from Vancouver just live his Legacy in 2027.

[@KevinQ25]

He shouldn’t have ever come to the Canucks.

[@frasertones8519]

Hello from Vancouver! Thanks for the memories here. Lol.

[@Jingling-MelO]

Seriously? lol

[@Kimchi203010]

My memories were even better

[@Jingling-MelO]

@@Kimchi203010 nah Mess created a bigger mess than Loui

[@okyouknowwhatever]

loui is beloved in van land compared to this douchebag

[@cassidystarchild7907]

Best Canuck captain ever

[@DynoMikeGaming]

Nice clickbait his answer was so stereotypical hockey man

[@jacobkollegger8893]

God bless Marc...what an amazing man. Hockey is blessed at having such a soul representing it.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

Leon is a great player and reminds me of Messier if he would have that real greatness that Messier and Gretz had. Its very sad its like you cant have a great team in Edmonton anymore and Leon and Connor might choose to move on. Great players but Gretz and Messier had something extra, and the last great Canadian team before the game went south

[@jamiepike6909]

Yes they had a team of world class players playing with them. The cap put an end to that.

[@jasonthieme8926]

Great book wish Mess read the whole audible version. My hockey hero Leon and Connor are amazing but teams are figuring them out now. Can't score at will like they were

[@timehrler2686]

When they came to Dallas I was at the game and expecting to see the McDavid and Draisaitl show. We cuffed them 4-1 and only Draisaitl had a minuscule helper. Up until that point in the season they were raking. Maybe teams started watching the film of that game and the rest of the league has the Stars to thank for showing them the way?

[@astewart9410]

Good interview, but gotta shut off that repetitive background music.

[@sean2943]

Music during an interview.. Wtf

[@hulaGUNZ]

I didn't see him eat even one chip.

[@canadiantraveller281]

One thing you never see in Vancouver : A Messier Jersey. We don't talk about those dark times

[@davidmetzler6670]

(Homer Simpson heckle) "BO-RING!"

[@toddleroux4745]

Ol' Messibum.

[@PsychoThirteen]

Good Lord! Lose the background "music"!

[@LovingOffGrid]

I was so disappointed with Messier's book. How could something so exciting in real life be so uneventful in writing?

[@CBenotte]

Even though he helped Oilers to end New York Islanders (my favorite mannschaft) winning streak in 84, he seems to be a nice guy

[@michaelmcquiggan2979]

How did I manage to watch it for 3minutes with the awful drum machine going

[@jtsdeals]

Wish you would lose the distracting music during the interview.

[@kevintieu5198]

how do you not love Messier, the person??

[@Johnmk24]

I loved Mess’s take on L.D. vs Matheson questions. How is MM not running a players training & motivational program??? It’s obvious many young players in todays NHL could benefit dramatically from his insight. Matthews, Marner, L.D. McDavid & others would be so far ahead spending a summer training & consulting with him.

[@cmdrbillpaxton4302]

Would rather hear the interview, less background music...

[@DaveReynoldsGSDF]

he looks like Thanos now

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Will Edmonton coach last much longer?

[@eugenewells5264]

The bully moose lol

[@bertmc4442]

Jim Matheson asked bully question and Drai answered it rightly. Jim Matheson should be banned!

[@Christopher.Charles]

Hiring Holland was a huge mistake… Smith ain’t the guy… Keith is done… they’re wasting great years of mcdavid and draisaitl.. feel bad for Edmonton. They have the best player in the world and may possibly do nothing with it!?

[@IhaveaDoghouse]

Keith isn't what he was 10 years ago but I think for 2 million he's well worth it. I don't know wth is going on with them but at this point I'd say sign Kane and see if he can tear it up with drai or mcdavid. What else can they do now?

[@kropking]

Connor is the Mike Trout of hockey.

[@bradleyhenry2411]

@@IhaveaDoghouse the team gets outshot nearly every game. Bottom 6 doesn't get enough playing time or contribute enough.

[@dondavis7687]

Anyone else hope, if Oilers make change behind bench, that John Tortorella gets the nod? 😂 Oh, Jim Matheson just stand by to stand by bud! 😂😂

[@michelelovetta8803]

Simply the best

[@kenalexander3625]

Mark you are my hero!

[@RyTheGuy20]

Gross

[@Esper320]

@@RyTheGuy20 your kids hate you, loser 😅

[@geographyv9531]

@@Esper320 that a little mean, eh?

[@FLGirly]

@@RyTheGuy20 agreed, dirty player

[@reneleclerc6119]

Someone who understands English should be doing the subtitles.

[@bradnimbus4836]

Thanks for that amazingly annoying background music

[@dustinjones1907]

Just came here to say: Beat it Mark, we don't care about your opinion. - The city of Vancouver

[@nilocblue]

Oh please, it's not a controversy. Sportsnet you drunk, go home.

[@t2av159]

*Hey, its the LAYS chip guy*

[@samjam6989]

Cant eat just one....lol

[@carsonturcotte9657]

Guy didn’t answer a single question. Just a poster boy.

[@mattconnors9419]

"Do you enjoy announcing, Mark?", "I love it". He answered numerous ones, including about the TML & NYR and his sister. Take out yer earbuds.

[@carsonturcotte9657]

@@mattconnors9419 My god lmao. Ok, he did answer 1 question. For the sake of argument. He just didn’t answer any question with anything other than a generic response. Espn has got him by the balls.

[@carsonturcotte9657]

As for his sister, part of the question was « what has your sister taught you? » apparently nothing, because that’s what he said about it. Nothing.

[@carsonturcotte9657]

When asked about the oilers, more generic. Like »not quoting, we’ll, they just got to give 110%, and keep shooting. Bla blah blah.

[@TherealSUPREMETROOPA]

its only a controversy if the media make its one

[@marvinm.messier1120]

Ol' Moose is one sharp cookie - I love him!

[@joeshittheragman6252]

Vancouver Canucks legend

[@Kimchi203010]

Who's the Greastest Canuck of all time? Loui or Captain Mark?

[@stevenrosscarpenter]

Alek Stojanov

[@ZinfandelRed1914]

Gino

[@kropking]

Todd Bertuzzi 😂🤣😂

[@stevenrosscarpenter]

@@kropking Bertuzzi ruled. Still does

[@joeidaho5938]

Pavel Bure, without a doubt. Luongo sucked bad when the pressure was really on.

[@GillyBean1978]

Chris Simpson. Simply gorgeous.

[@prezakid9]

Background music is a distraction and totally unnecessary.

[@Thebipolarbowler]

Why the lame music in the background. What a way to kill an interview.

[@lorenbeaulieu2896]

You are a good guy, you want the fans to always feel good by letting them know all the perfect scenarios. Here is what is going on “EFFORT”. How about making a pass instead of way behind or way in front. How about shoot the puck into a wide open net instead of practicing passing during a game. How about using all that money to try and keep the puck out of your own net. How about talking about reality, instead of sugar coating everything. The players are tired of the lame ass questions they hear everyday from communist reporter’s. Is it just me, or millions of dollars does not help side effects of any drug. Just wondering why athletes have lost a step? A few couple months ago, McDavid was making everyone look like they are skating in quicksand? I don’t know if it is just effort anymore.

[@johndunphy7835]

Haha not a word about Matheson. I wonder who called messier for this favor?

[@racegod69]

This is exactly the point I’ve made with some nut job in the comments of the other video. Mark is exactly right.

[@Thexkidd]

Reading Mess’s book currently. It’s good.

[@stevocanuck]

Use me as a dislike button

[@geographyv9531]

Who the hell would dislike SPORTSNET?

[@justinmillett101]

2 frustrated people who had a spat. Who cares? This type of thing needs to happen to turn this romper ass team around.

[@cindyrussell1581]

Mess you will always be true Oiler.

[@ryans413]

Yes Mark gets it 100%

[@anthonyf.9457]

My favorite all-time athlete😊👍🏾

[@pauldaher3784]

Teamwork & Leadership? Those are the last words he should use. Ugh

[@randybrown9706]

You guys need a day with the kids who need you

[@jefsiv]

Draisaitl is better than McDavid.

[@kyletangen9446]

Imagine there's no stories, so you have to create a "controversy" out of an exchange with the media. And people say the refs want to get "too involved" in the game 😂😂😂😂

[@campbellrockfarms168]

New coach hire him . Gm and coach

[@user-fe2lr5jw4i]

Hall of famer legend and still says “I’ve got a lot to learn” this is the man I want my boys to look up to. A roll model for all athletes.

[@cedricdavis513]

wtf is this music constantly playing. So annoying

[@RParmable]

Da Moose! My favourite player

[@whitewalkerthelongnight1203]

Leave it to the nhl to make something out of nothing

[@cassidystarchild7907]

Canuck legend, Mark Messier.

[@samjam6989]

lol he is the most hated

[@chuckhashman956]

They had a really good team assembled in Vancouver ---they should have went a long way in the playoffs. That team needed to GEL together quicker. Mark always GOT THE JOB DONE!!! NHL players move around a lot ---the landscape changes fast because sadly their careers are too short..............

[@ksaverpotrpin8525]

Oilers need Chiarelli back for him to trade Draisatl for Larsson 1for1 kekw

[@YetiSmasherOhnO]

Looks like Messier forgot to shave 2/5 of his face. Can't imagine what the nostril hairs look like in natural light.

[@doubleagent6951]

Goof

[@tophercabba]

the oilers will always suck and u can bet on that every year lmao

[@samjohnson4550]

barf barf barf

[@orangesharpy]

Messier does not age.

[@geoffeuverman3764]

Bullshit . would have never without Wayne.

[@davidwilson9976]

The Oilers don't have a Fuhr, Coffey, Lowe or Anderson right now. Of course they can't win.

[@dougbreeze9393]

I think Mark almost puked when the buzzword "inclusive" was thrown in there. Because of course, it has to be a constant reminder that the roots of hockey are evil and we need to fix it!

[@antonchigurh3226]

Moose !!!

[@pigoverlord5537]

Nobody cares

[@frasertones8519]

You're one of the first people here.

[@ryanhinzel9653]

ya

[@ryanhinzel9653]

ya

[@burkhardschuerer6219]

Maybe Drai should ask for a trade and everybody in Edmonton is happy.

[@1904serc]

I guess everybody in Edmonton would be happy to lose one of the best players in the league..thanks for that great advice

[@rickyrickardo8347]

Messier was a dirty player.

[@Bright-Rain-Cloud]

Mark>Wyane on tv so far

[@karmeshpatel987]

they both are terrible media people; amazing players tho

[@anonymanonym6236]

Fraudsaitl gets carried by McDavid. Conor needs a winger and a goalie

[@Christopher.Charles]

Defenseman and a goalie.

[@mrgreekgm754]

Low hockey IQ comment.

[@jasonbrowning6034]

Funny he doesn't even play on McDavid's line during the first 18 games and is still first in points. How did McDavid carry him when he's not even on the ice?

[@jasonbrowning6034]

How do all these people say McDavid carries Leon? The first 18 games they played on different lines and LD still leads the NHL in points.

[@okyouknowwhatever]

What McDavid really needs (to do) is stop playing pond hockey and diversify his game. A guy like Kucherov is brilliant at slowing the game down and threading needles. All McDavid can do is run up and down the ice like a torrid Bugs Bunny impersonation. Doesn't work against good teams in the playoffs.