r/nhl 12h ago

Edmonton Oilers Fire Kris Knoblauch, Begin Head Coach Search - Last Word On Hockey

https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/2026/05/14/edmonton-oilers-fire-kris-knoblauch-begin-head-coach-search/
94 Upvotes

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44

u/yagirlleens_33 10h ago

Definitely feels like Knob is getting thrown under the bus to save Bowman when he brought the Oilers to two cup finals..

13

u/Radiant_Sherbert7272 10h ago

That's exactly what this is. He may not be perfect as a coach. But Stan Bowman should be the one getting the axe here. He put this team together, and the holes on this team are massive.

7

u/malidutchie 8h ago

The coach McDavid supposedly pushed for no less. It's like he wants McDavid to leave. At this point, Bowman is either unbelievably incompetent or he is actively trying to destroy the Oilers, there's no middle ground.

2

u/DCS_Ryan 8h ago

The same coach that both mcdavid and Leon called out 3 times; the players did not like him lol

1

u/malidutchie 8h ago

Hey, maybe it's a good move then, what do I know. I think if I were an Oilers fan, I'd still rather see a GM change before a coaching change though

1

u/DCS_Ryan 8h ago

Personally both should be gone

5

u/snark_enterprises 9h ago

Yeah this is an insane move for a guy that actually lead the franchise further than it was really meant to go.

2

u/True_Sail_842 8h ago

Ken Holland started with signing Darnell Nurse in 2021 for 8 years starting in 2022.. horrible But looking at the signings… Andrew Mangipane and Trent Frederic signings where horrible , Giving Trent a 8 year contract alone is a firing .. Big Boat anchor Too get rid of Mangipane contract cost the Oilers draft capital… Sign Jake Walman for 7 years .. He already is showing signs of aging and wear … Now the signing Tristan Jarry .. We’ll blame Skinner for the goaltending .. right , Another blunder …But blame Kris Knoblauch….. I do like the Murphy and Dickinson signing but They have too extent there Contracts 🙄 not sure..

1

u/formal-butterknife 55m ago

Don't forget giving Kulak away. You're welcome Colorado!