Oilers insider reveals multiple changes coming to coaching staff
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The Edmonton Oilers are eyeing several changes to their coaching staff, according to new reports from insider Jason Gregor.
There's been significant criticism towards much of the Oilers staff, but Coach Knoblauch seems to be safe to return after taking the team to two straight Cup Finals. His assistants on the staff though, may not be safe.
Edmonton Oilers looking at several coaching staff changes after Stanley Cup Final loss
According to Oilers insider Jason Gregor, every assistant coach's contract will expire at the end of this month, and there's a strong chance at least some of them will depart.
Coach Knoblauch inherited every Oilers assistant coach from the previous coaching staff, and NHL head coaches are usually given the freedom to pick their own. Now that Knobaluch's proven himself as a coach, he's earned the right to make changes.
Sources tell me all the assistant coaches' contracts expire this month.
Glen Gulutzan is a strong candidate to get the vacant Dallas Stars head coaching job.
My understanding is Coffey would like to return. He has a bit of an old-school approach, and at times, that is refreshing. I'd lean towards him returning.
Mark Stuart was hired on July 28th, 2022. He's spent three seasons with the Oilers.
- Jason Gregor
Glen Gulutzan is a strong candidate to get the vacant Dallas Stars head coaching job.
My understanding is Coffey would like to return. He has a bit of an old-school approach, and at times, that is refreshing. I'd lean towards him returning.
Mark Stuart was hired on July 28th, 2022. He's spent three seasons with the Oilers.
- Jason Gregor
It seems at least Gulutzan is likely to leave to pursue other head coaching opportunities, and Mark Stuart could be a casualty based on the playoff penalty kill.
Paul Coffey seems to be returning, even though there were some clear problems with the deployment of defence in the playoffs. Coffey seems to be a great influence on the players and in the room, but Knoblauch should get the power over his coaching decisions.
Goalie coach Dustin Schwartz has now been with the Oilers for over ten years, and is up for yet another contract. Gregor didn't even lean towards speculating Schwartz could be let go, so it seems like he could be brought back. Hiring any other goalie coach and getting a new voice in the room could be beneficial at this point, but the Oilers love Schwartz.
According to Jim Matheson, Sylvain Rodrigue may be an option for the Oilers to hire if Schwartz is not renewed.
Knoblauch was a rookie coach when given the reigns to the Oilers bench, and now has to have among the highest points percentage of a coach in NHL history. Bowman seems to have faith in him, and he's clearly earned the right to pick his staff - and the Oilers will make some long-awaited changes to the coaching staff.
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JUIN 20 | 884 ANSWERS Oilers insider reveals multiple changes coming to coaching staff Do you think the Oilers should fire their assistant coaches? | ||
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