Why Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch and what it means for Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton
After three years and two Stanley Cup Finals appearances, Kris Knoblauch is out in Edmonton. Here's what that could mean for Connor McDavid.
Why Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch and what it means for Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Connor McDavid has gotten used to coaching changes across his soon-to-be 12-year career.
The Oilers sacked five coaches across McDavid's tenure in Alberta's capital city, struggling to find consistency even as the goals and points flowed from his glimmering stick. On Thursday, they added another name to that ignominious list. Edmonton sacked Kris Knoblauch, ending a three-year spell that featured back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Knoblauch achieved marked success across his stint with the Oilers, posting a . 624 points percentage, the second-highest mark of a coach who presided over at least 100 games in Edmonton. The writing appeared on the wall for Knoblauch in the days leading up to his dismissal.
On May 12, Hockey247's Frank Seravalli reported that the Golden Knights withheld permission for the Oilers to speak with former Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy. The Golden Knights sacked Cassidy with eight games left in the regular season. They still retain his rights, however -- Cassidy remains under contract and is still being paid by the team after his firing.
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