Two-time Stanley Cup Finalist head coach Kris Knoblauch was fired from the Edmonton Oilers in chaotic circumstances earlier this week. Days later, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman revealed why the Oilers’ owner, Daryl Katz, pushed for his departure despite his overall success with the franchise.

While speaking on the 32 Thoughts podcast this Friday, Friedman gave his thoughts on  Knoblauch’s exit and Katz’s role in it.

“I think the owner’s feelings were a very, very big part of this.I think Daryl Katz is really unhappy. I think he’s angry at the way they played this year, and I think he made his displeasure clear. I think he was so upset at the way this season ended. I think he was a driving force.” 

Friedman also alluded to how star player Connor McDavid might not stick around if the Oilers continue on their path of going downwards day by day.

“There is great organizational pressure to win now for a lot of reasons, including the fact that Connor McDavid is only under contract for two more years.”

The dismissal of Knoblauch from the Oilers seemed inevitable after rumors circulated regarding the Oilers trying to arrange talks with Bruce Cassidy to replace him. But still, during his time at the franchise, he lifted them from late 2023 under the previous head coach, to drag them into the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Knoblauch repeated the monumental feat again in 2025, but ultimately lost to the Florida Panthers on both occasions.

Former Oilers Defenseman Shares His Feelings On Knoblauch’s Departure

Jason Demers, who is the ex-Edmonton Oilers defenseman, wasn’t happy about how the franchise fired their head coach, Kris Knoblauch. He called out the Oilers on social media.

“Fresh off the heels of McDavid and Draisaitl being candid, vulnerable, and honest about the direction of the team and the organization, you have the complete mishandling of this Knoblauch situation. It’s inexcusable!” said Demers.

He further went on to talk about the Oilers attempting to replace Knoblauch with Bruce Cassidy while having him in charge.

“Why the h*** are you interviewing Cassidy?? Why not let go of Kris Knoblauch first? I am at a loss with this… to embarrass your coach, who went to two Stanley Cup Finals. Anyway, that’s business. Not good business, just business,” he concluded.

For Knoblauch, with his success at the Oilers, he is expected to be a sought-after option for teams in the NHL to bring aboard as a head coach. But since the 47-year-old had signed a three-year contract extension a few months ago with the Oilers through to the 2028-29 season, he is eligible to get paid his salary for that timeframe.

With that, Knoblauch’s future in coaching in the sport is somewhat up in the air for the time being.

What are your thoughts on Knoblauch’s release?

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Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi