Oilers fire Kris Knoblauch after coaching search drama

The Edmonton Oilers officially parted ways with head coach Kris Knoblauch on Thursday after a chaotic offseason controversy that left the organization facing heavy criticism across the NHL.

Knoblauch’s dismissal followed backlash surrounding reports that Edmonton quietly attempted to pursue former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy while Knoblauch still held the job.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli initially reported that the Oilers contacted Vegas for permission to interview Cassidy after the Golden Knights fired him in March. Vegas denied the request, but news of the approach quickly leaked.

TSN’s Ryan Rishaug posted on X, “The Oilers have relieved Kris Knoblauch of his coaching duties.”

This decision came after former NHL forward Jeff O’Neill blasted Edmonton’s handling of the situation on TSN OverDrive.

“I think it’s classless,” O’Neill said. “If you’re gonna do that, fire Kris Knoblauch. The guy took your team to two finals and turned it around.”

Former NHL executive Craig Button also criticized management’s approach, calling it “a poor way to treat people.”

Knoblauch originally replaced Jay Woodcroft in November 2023 after Edmonton opened that season with a disastrous 3-9-1 record. He quickly stabilized the club and guided the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.

Oilers’ collapse forced this coaching change

The Oilers entered the 2025-26 season with Stanley Cup expectations after reaching consecutive Finals. Instead, Edmonton finished with a disappointing 41-30-11 record before suffering a shocking first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks in six games.