Edmonton Oilers fire head coach Kris Knoblauch amid Bruce Cassidy interest

The Edmonton Oilers have dismissed head coach Kris Knoblauch after three seasons. Knoblauch guided the team to back‑to‑back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, but the club was eliminated in the first round of the 2025‑26 playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks. Reports indicate the Oilers had also sought permission from the Vegas Golden Knights to interview former Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, a request the Knights denied, prompting criticism that the Oilers were pursuing a new coach while keeping Knoblauch under contract.

The coaching move has drawn backlash from former players and analysts, who called the approach “classless” and urged the organization to fire Knoblauch if it intended to replace him. Knoblauch signed a three‑year extension in October and is expected to receive the remaining $7.5 million on his contract unless hired elsewhere. The Oilers now face a search for a successor as the franchise looks to rebuild after a disappointing season despite high expectations centered on stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.