The comment drew smiles and laughter from a few reporters as he has become more comfortable addressing the media and bringing his humour to the scrums.
The Oilers are readying themselves for another season under Knoblauch and Coffey as they want to keep building from their near miss of the Stanley Cup. Oilers training camp has been intense and many players are trying to make a name for themselves as there are a few roster spots available.
Players like Noah Philp who has been away from the game for a year and who had a great year in 2022 with the Bakersfield Condors having been third in scoring and looks to try to regain his form and make noise to Knoblauch. He was awarded a two year deal and is a great shot in the arm for the Oilers prospect pool.
Raphael Lavoie is another prospect who feels ready to make the leap into the NHL as he's been with the organization since being drafted in 2019, 38th overall. His size and frame of 6'4 and 215 lbs makes the case that he could be looked at as an Evander Kane replacement while he recovers from surgery. Lavoie has shown he likes throwing the body around and wants to give the Oilers an edge with is welcome news for Knoblauch.
Lastly, Knoblauch also has Matthew Savoie in his ranks that would also like to make a name for himself and a potential call up situation. He was traded to the Oilers this summer in exchange for Ryan Mcleod and Tyler Tullio. Having been the 9th overall selection by the Sabres in 2022, adding his talent to the roster pool makes the Oilers deeper on depth while giving the team more control on their cap.
This is Knoblauch's first full camp with the Oilers as he was hired in November 2023 means he gets to enjoy the process and run his camp however he sees fit. Oilers fans will need to wait and see what comes of it.
Source: Oilers Daily
Oilers coach Knoblauch comments hint towards lineup change with veteran players this season
POLL | ||
25 SEPTEMBRE | 99 ANSWERS Oilers Coach Knoblauch drops funny comment about Connor McDavid Do you think Kris Knoblauch can get the Oilers to the finals again this year? | ||
Yes | 87 | 87.9 % |
No | 12 | 12.1 % |
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