Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Apr 28, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are currently without a head coach after the firing of Kris Knoblauch, and Chris Pronger believes Peter Laviolette is the right man to lead the Edmonton Oilers. While the reports mainly point to former Vegas Golden Knights HC Bruce Cassidy joining the Oilers, Pronger's endorsement comes from experience.
While speaking to Bob Stauffer on 'Oilers Now', Pronger, who is a former NHL MVP from 2000 as a defenseman, elaborated on Laviolette's prowess as a head coach.
"Very detailed, very, he’s got an offensive system which I think when you look at the Oilers, a lot of the commentaries around, they need secondary scoring."
Nov 19, 2011; Winnipeg, MB, CANADA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (20) during the 3rd period against the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images
Nov 19, 2011; Winnipeg, MB, CANADA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (20) during the 3rd period against the Winnipeg Jets at the MTS Centre. Winnipeg wins 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-Imagn Images
Pronger was a part of Laviolette’s Philadelphia Flyers when they reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2010, and with that, his knowledge of the system is rooted in direct experience.
When Stauffer asked specifically about the defensive approach of Laviolette as a head coach, Pronger explained what he had learnt.
“It’s aggressive, but it’s layers. It’s man-on-man, but there’s layers. If you’re coming out of the corner, you get beat; there is another layer there...”
After alluding to how the two top players at the Oilers don’t think the team is good enough, he spoke about the expectations from a new coach.
“The coach’s head has gone on the chopping block. And now it’s up to ownership/management, the new coach, whoever that is, and then the players to get on the same page and figure out how to get this thing over the finish line,” Pronger added.
Now that Kris Knoblauch, who led the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025, has departed, Pronger speaks from his year of experience with the Oilers.
Chris Pronger’s Brief History With the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL
Throughout his NHL career, Pronger played one season for the Oilers in 2005-06.
He reached the Stanley Cup Final with them, but lost it in Game 7 to the Carolina Hurricanes despite being their top scorer in 24 playoff games, scoring 21 points (5G /16A).
But, in the next season, the Hockey Hall of Famer went one better with the Anaheim Ducks. He won the Stanley Cup for the first and only time in his career in 2007 after the Ducks beat the Ottawa Senators in just five games.
Pronger also found success with the Canadian national team.
He went on to win two gold medals for Canada at the Winter Olympic Games in 2002 and 2010, cementing his name amongst the greatest in the sport.
Pronger also won the IIHF World Championships gold medal in the early stages of his career in 1997. These achievements made him a member of the Triple Gold Club.
Will the Edmonton Oilers employ Peter Laviolette as their new head coach after Chris Pronger’s endorsement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Written by
Arjun Sharma
Edited by
Surjo Ray