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NHL insider has surprising report on future of Oilers coach Knoblauch
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers Raw
The Oilers find themselves with only 9 wins and 12 losses a quarter of the way through the season, and now Coach Knoblauch's job maybe in jeopardy.
Oilers fans and analysts have drawn plenty of attention to a number of concerning stats that show Knoblauch may be negatively affecting the team - namely due to offensive output completely drying up. If things don't turn around quickly, the Oilers could make a change.
NHL insider reports Oilers coach Knoblauch is on hot seat as road trip continues
NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed in a new report that Coach Knoblauch's future now may be in jeopardy regardless of his contract status, and things could hinge on the remainder of the road trip.
Keep an eye on what Edmonton does next, because I think the seat has got a little warmer under Kris Knoblauch as this road trip has gone on. They're not seeing the returns.
Jay Woodcroft was fired under pretty similar circumstances, even though Kris Knoblauch has taken this team to two straight Stanley Cup Finals.
The seat's getting warmer, but beyond that, at some point they're going to have to do something because missing the playoffs this year - they're kind of teetering close to that edge.
- Frank Seravalli
Jay Woodcroft was fired under pretty similar circumstances, even though Kris Knoblauch has taken this team to two straight Stanley Cup Finals.
The seat's getting warmer, but beyond that, at some point they're going to have to do something because missing the playoffs this year - they're kind of teetering close to that edge.
- Frank Seravalli
This decision may be extra difficult for the Oilers, as the team just re-signed Knoblauch to a 3 year contract extension. The deal doesn't even kick in until next season.
That said, the Oilers just can't allow this season to be lost under Connor McDavid's prime. If the coach can't make adjustments to the roster he's got, then a change makes sense. GM Stan Bowman also notably didn't hire Knoblauch.
Hopefully things begin to turn around in the final stretch of games this road trip, and Knoblauch can right the ship on the way back to another Cup Final.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 18 | 1426 ANSWERS NHL insider has surprising report on future of Oilers coach Knoblauch Do you think the Oilers will fire Knoblauch? | ||
| Yes | 785 | 55 % |
| No | 641 | 45 % |
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