The Edmonton Oilers moved on from head coach Kris Knoblauch after the team’s disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks. And now one former Oilers player believes the downfall had less to do with systems or strategy and more to do with something missing behind the bench throughout the season.
Former Oilers Player Explains Kris Knoblauch’s Exit
Knoblauch’s firing came as a surprise to many around the league, considering he guided Edmonton to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances during his first two seasons with the organization. However, this year unfolded much differently.
The Oilers battled inconsistency throughout the season but still finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record and 93 points. Still, a six-game first-round loss to the Ducks created major pressure within the organization and ultimately led management to make a coaching change.
Former Oilers right winger Anson Carter believes one key area was missing from Knoblauch’s coaching style. “I think that he failed, as I watched him evolve over the last couple of years, is he didn’t really add that emotional aspect to his game,” Carter said.
Carter compared the situation to Barry Trotz during the Washington Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup run, when Trotz made the bold decision to start Philipp Grubauer over Braden Holtby in the opening two playoff games before eventually turning back to Holtby during the Cup-winning run.
He also pointed to Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper as another example. After Tampa’s shocking playoff sweep against the Columbus Blue Jackets following their historic regular season, Carter noticed a much more emotional and intense version of Cooper the following year, 2019-2020, when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup.
“Now, going back to Coach Knobloch, I didn’t see that evolution to his coaching style,” Carter added. “Now, will he take that and learn from that the next place he goes? I certainly think he will. But that was the piece that was missing from the Oilers behind the bench.”
In Carter’s view, the lack of intensity became noticeable behind the bench and may have contributed to Paul Coffey initially stepping away before eventually returning to the coaching staff to bring more energy and fire.
Now, the Oilers will pay the majority of Kris Knoblauch’s remaining three-year, $7.5 million contract until another team hires him.
During his time in Edmonton, Knoblauch compiled a 135-77-21 regular-season record after taking over for Jay Woodcroft in November 2023.
The Oilers have yet to announce a replacement, but finding the right coach will become one of the organization’s biggest priorities heading into next season.
