Knoblauch Out in Edmonton: Oilers Fire Head Coach After Early Exit
The Edmonton Oilers have fired head coach Kris Knoblauch, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Thursday.
Knoblauch, 47, posted a 135-77-21 record after being hired in November 2023. He led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, losing both times to the Florida Panthers. This season, the Oilers were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks in six games.
Despite a three-year contract extension signed in October 2025, running through the 2028-29 season, Knoblauch will be paid under that deal.
Performance Factors
The Oilers finished the 2025-26 regular season with 93 points, placing second in the Pacific Division. However, significant issues plagued the team.
- Goaltending was a persistent problem. A midseason trade sent Stuart Skinner to Pittsburgh in exchange for Tristan Jarry. Jarry posted an .858 save percentage and was eventually replaced by Connor Ingram.
- Connor McDavid's injury was a factor. McDavid won the Art Ross Trophy but played through a fracture in his foot/ankle area during the playoffs.
- General manager Stan Bowman assembled a supporting cast that, according to reports, failed to adequately support stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Context & What's Next
Knoblauch was hired to replace Jay Woodcroft in November 2023. His replacement will be McDavid's sixth NHL head coach. McDavid signed a contract extension through 2027-28 last summer.