Heartbreak: Kris Knoblauch’s wife has confirmed yet another heinous act by the legendary Edomonton Oilers and…
Joining Faizal Khamisa on Sportsnet Central, Mark Spector talks about the Edmonton Oilers’ decision to fire Jay Woodcroft and hire Kris Knoblauch as their new head coach, as well as other topics.
Press CanadienneAt 12:04 PM on November 12, 2023
The fates of Dave Manson and Jay Woodcroft were predetermined before the Edmonton Oilers skated onto the ice in Seattle on Saturday night.
The general manager Ken Holland and CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson had already decided to fire the head coach and the assistant in charge of defense, even though the Oilers won 4-1 and improved their record to 3-9-1.
Early on Sunday morning, they informed Woodcroft and Manson of the news.
When Kris Knoblauch, the new head coach, was introduced to the media on Sunday afternoon at Rogers Place, Holland said, “Jeff and I talked (Saturday) afternoon; the team was on the road.” “We took the decision; obviously, we had to start the process.
“We had to negotiate a contract and obtain permission from the (New York) Rangers.” We had games on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. Therefore, it was not something that was going to happen in 12 hours, whether it happened yesterday or the day before.
Since Knoblauch was in his fifth season as an American Hockey League affiliate of the Rangers, coaching the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Oilers had to request permission.
He coached Oilers star Connor McDavid for three seasons with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, in addition to his previous role as assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Having attended the University of Alberta for five years and played junior hockey there, Knoblauch is no stranger to Edmonton.
Manson will be replaced by Paul Coffey, an advisor to the organization’s owner, Daryl Katz.
Before accepting a position with the Oilers prior to the start of the season, Jackson represented McDavid. Jackson claimed the star center had no influence over the selection of his previous junior coach.
Jackson responded, “No, the players weren’t consulted on this decision. “We didn’t talk to any of the leadership group members, including Darnell Nurse, Nuge (Ryan Nugent-Hopkins), Leon (Draisaitl), or Connor.
“They know that these guys are here to play hockey. They dislike having a say in decisions of this nature.
Coffey said that he and his wife were “totally shocked” by the offer to become assistant coaches and that his initial reaction was one of sympathy for Woodcroft and Manson.
“This team’s beginning required two outstanding coaches to shoulder the load,” Coffey remarked.
Holland defended the Oilers’ choice to fire Woodcroft so early in the season, despite the player going 79-41-13 in parts of three seasons with the team.
We’re focused on winning right now, Holland said. Over the past few years that I’ve been here, we’ve discussed that. Since I’ve arrived, the moment has come to try and win based on the team’s composition, age, and players.
“Whether 12 or 13 games is enough can be debated. If we had waited ten more games and nothing changed, in my opinion, it would have been too late. Thus, Jeff and I felt that action was necessary.
Since starting his career with the Oilers in 2015, McDavid has won the scoring title five times and three Hart Trophies as the league MVP. This will be his fifth head coach, Knoblauch.
Jackson remarked, “I can’t control what happened with coaching changes in the past.”
In 2023–24, the Oilers are off to a terrible start.
Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner have combined for the lowest save percentage in the league among goalies. Campbell was in the second year of a five-year, US$25 million contract, but he was sent to the minors after clearing waivers. Draisaitl has only five goals this season, and McDavid has only 10 points in 11 games.
“You can only do so much when you come in midseason,” Knoblauch remarked.
Knoblauch does, however, want to emphasize that the Oilers must move the puck much more quickly.
It’s all about playing quickly, and our defensemen, who are excellent at moving the puck up, are largely responsible for that. There will be occasions when it is required, he said.
In the end, though, it all comes down to getting the puck into our forwards’ hands as quickly as possible so they can create plays. And the best plays are frequently the ones that are simpler.
Knoblauch remarked, “I’ve learned a lot about Hartford, junior hockey, and my time in Philadelphia.” “I believe the most crucial factor is that for your players to perform, they must have a positive self-image.
“I’m seeing some guys getting beat up right now. They’re irritated. It hasn’t been healthy for them to put so much pressure on themselves to perform. Occasionally, a new regular season begins with a new head coach.
Not just the fired Woodcroft is to blame for the Oilers’ dismal start.
From Otters to Oilers: Bassin explains Edmonton’s decision to sign Knoblauch.
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