The pressure around the Edmonton Oilers is only growing after another disappointing playoff ending, and now the future of head coach Kris Knoblauch has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
While the Oilers have not officially fired Knoblauch, recent reports suggest the organization has already explored other coaching options, creating an awkward and increasingly tense situation behind the scenes.
Insider Projects Value of Kris Knoblauch’s Extension
Back in October 2025, the Edmonton Oilers rewarded Kris Knoblauch with a three-year extension through the 2028-29 season after he guided the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, though both ended in losses to the Florida Panthers.
This season, however, took a very different turn. Edmonton was eliminated in six games by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round, sparking speculation that major coaching changes could be coming.
The rumors only intensified after reports surfaced that the Oilers requested permission to interview Bruce Cassidy, with the Vegas Golden Knights reportedly denying the request. With the situation now out in the open, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the controversy and the value of Knoblauch’s extension.
“I think this got out and forced their hand,” Friedman said. “If they say, ‘Kris, you’re the coach,’ what’s he going to do? Walk away? He’s probably getting that three-year deal, which is probably worth about $10-10.5 million. He’s not walking away from that.”
Friedman also compared the situation to what happened with the Buffalo Sabres’ former head coach, Don Granato. “If you sign a coach to an extension and then move on shortly after, it’s never good,” Friedman added.
That comparison is significant because Buffalo fired Granato in April 2024 despite him having two years remaining on an extension that had not even fully kicked in yet. The Sabres still owed him the remaining money on the deal under league rules.
The Oilers would face a similar situation if they decide to move on from Knoblauch.
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What makes the situation even more complicated is how public it has become. If the Edmonton Oilers had quietly looked into other coaching options behind the scenes, there probably would have been a much easier path for Knoblauch to return next season if no stronger candidate emerged.
But once the Bruce Cassidy reports leaked, everything changed.
For now, the Oilers remain in wait-and-see mode, but one thing is clear: this offseason drama is far from over.
