The Edmonton Oilers shocked the hockey world by bowing out with a first-round exit at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks after entering the playoffs as a legitimate Stanley Cup favorite.
Now, major questions surround head coach Kris Knoblauch, with growing speculation that Edmonton could consider bringing back his predecessor.
Oilers Linked With Possible Jay Woodcroft Reunion
Even though Knoblauch guided Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, there’s growing uncertainty surrounding his future after this season’s collapse.
During the team’s end-of-season media availability, GM Stan Bowman avoided giving the coaching staff a public vote of confidence. He said only that everyone in the organization is currently being “evaluated.” That response immediately fueled speculation that changes could be coming.
Now, NHL insider Jeff Marek has floated the idea of Edmonton reuniting with Jay Woodcroft. “I want to be in the room to see if anybody brings up one name, Jay Woodcroft,” Marek said. “That would be ballsy. That would have to be a conversation, wouldn’t it?”
Woodcroft was fired in November 2023 after the Oilers stumbled to a timid 3-9-1 start in one of the most disappointing opening stands in recent memory. At the time, Edmonton was tied with the San Jose Sharks for last place in the league.
Despite that rough start, Woodcroft still posted an impressive overall record in Edmonton, going 79-41-13 across 133 regular-season games while also compiling a 14-14 playoff record over three seasons. Knoblauch was eventually hired as his replacement.
Fellow insider David Pagnotta admitted the idea of bringing Woodcroft back would be a “wild story,” adding that he’d love to see the reaction inside the room if the topic was ever seriously discussed.
“I think it might be similar to some of the reactions when it was suggested that Paul Coffey needed to return behind the bench. I don’t know if it would be that extreme with Woodcroft, but yeah, there were a lot of question marks about that one too,” Pagnotta said.
Marek also pointed out that if Edmonton truly wanted another high-profile coach like Bruce Cassidy, a move likely could have happened already. In his view, revisiting Woodcroft may not be as unrealistic as it sounds.
ALSO READ: NHL Rumors: Oilers Urged to Take a Swing at Former Maple Leafs Winger For Additional Firepower
For now, the Oilers head into another massive offseason filled with uncertainty, and all eyes will be on whether management sticks with Knoblauch or considers sweeping changes.
