Edmonton Oilers Fire Head Coach Jay Woodcroft and Assistant Coach Dave Manson
The Edmonton Oilers have announced the firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson. Here are the key details:
Struggling Season for Edmonton Oilers
- The Oilers currently hold a record of 3-9-1, which is tied for the second-worst in the NHL.
- Edmonton has lost eight of their last ten games.
New Coaching Appointments
Kris Knoblauch, the head coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack, will replace Woodcroft as the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. Steve Smith will serve as the interim coach in Hartford.
Woodcroft’s Coaching Record
Jay Woodcroft took over as head coach in February 2022, following Dave Tippett. Under Woodcroft’s leadership, the Oilers achieved a record of 79-41-13, making it the fifth-best coaching record in the NHL during that time.
Struggles for Connor McDavid
Oilers star player Connor McDavid has only recorded 10 points this season, which is on pace for his lowest output since his rookie year. McDavid recently expressed a lack of confidence in his performance.
The #Oilers announced today that head coach Jay Woodcroft & assistant coach Dave Manson have been relieved of their coaching duties.⁰
Hartford Wolf Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch will assume head coaching duties with the Oilers & will be joined by assistant coach Paul Coffey.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) November 12, 2023
Reasons for Edmonton’s Decision
The Oilers made the coaching change due to Woodcroft’s unsuccessful systems changes in the neutral and defensive zones. The team struggled with allowing rush chances and had poor goaltending performance. The hope was that these changes would improve the team’s defense, but instead, they find themselves in a difficult position.
What Kris Knoblauch Brings to the Oilers
Kris Knoblauch has experience coaching Connor McDavid during their time together in the OHL. He is highly regarded in NHL circles and has previously worked with the Philadelphia Flyers. Knoblauch’s coaching career includes winning titles in both the OHL and WHL.
Future of GM Ken Holland
Ken Holland remains the general manager, but these coaching changes suggest a transition of power within the organization. It is unclear if Holland will stay with the Oilers beyond his current contract.
Reactions from Players
McDavid expressed surprise and praised Woodcroft and Manson as great coaches. Leon Draisaitl also defended Woodcroft’s coaching abilities and emphasized that the players need to take responsibility for their performance.
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(Photo: Sergei Belski / USA Today)