Oilers insider hints at potential new coach hire to change defence and identity of team
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
On a recent episode of Oilers Now, insider Bob Stauffer commented on Team Canada's defensive coach, implying he could be a good replacement in Edmonton.
Oilers' coaches receive much criticism
[Canada’s] staff is good. It is interesting who’s coaching the defense, right? I mean, it’s a pretty good coach.
He’s got a lot of NHL success but hasn’t been able to win the big one, right? And he’s a free agent.
- Bob Stauffer
He’s got a lot of NHL success but hasn’t been able to win the big one, right? And he’s a free agent.
- Bob Stauffer
For the record, Canada's defensive and assistant coach is Misha Donskov, who spent two seasons as an assistant with the Stars (2023-25) and parts of four seasons as an assistant coach (2020-23) with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2023.
Of course, there is nothing concrete suggesting the Oilers will change its coaching staff, however unlikely at this stage of the season.
Yet, there is evidence to suggest that it could benefit from one.
They’re missing something from their dynamic. I feel that they’re a docile group, and I feel like Kris is a very calm coach. Which is fine, but you need some jam somewhere. I just find that Kris does not necessarily reward players that show it.
- Ryan Rishaug
- Ryan Rishaug
When you've reached the Stanley Cup Finals in two consecutive years, you get a pretty good idea of what a head coach can do, his strengths, but also his limitations.
In Kris Knoblauch's case, he's yet to show an aggressive side, that killer instinct you need when all the chips are in.
This season for Edmonton has been that kind of year, a little too passive, lacking grit and a physical side to their game that sends a message that they won't be messed with.
Connor McDavid seems to have found that side at the Olympics, hinting at what the Oilers could be if Kris Knoblauch injected some of it into his lineup.
Now, Mark Stuart took over the role of defensive coach from Paul Coffey. Stuart is also responsible for the penalty kill.
Unfortunately, both areas have struggled of late. If nothing else, Edmonton will want to address these deficiencies before the playoffs begin.
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