Edmonton Oilers fire coach Kris Knoblauch after disappointing 2025-26 season: Source
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Edmonton Oilers have fired head coach Kris Knoblauch after a disappointing 2025-26 season, despite his previous success leading the team to two consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances.
- Knoblauch, hired in November 2023, posted a 135-77-21 record but saw the team struggle in the latest season due to poor goaltending, defensive issues, and insufficient depth support despite strong performances from stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
- A midseason goalie trade, sending Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh for Tristan Jarry, backfired as Jarry’s poor performance contributed to the Oilers finishing with only 93 points and a first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks.
- McDavid, who won his sixth Art Ross Trophy, played much of the playoffs with an ankle injury, and the team’s early playoff exit led to Knoblauch’s dismissal before his contract extension officially began.
- The Oilers are now searching for a new coach who can maximize the roster’s potential, especially with McDavid’s contract running through 2027-28, signaling urgency for the franchise’s future success.