The Edmonton Oilers can’t be all too thrilled that word got out about their request for permission to speak with former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy.
Not only because that request was denied, but also because they made it while Kris Knoblauch is still employed as their current head coach—though that feels unlikely to remain the case for much longer.
Speculation surrounding Knoblauch’s job security swirled throughout the 2025-26 season, but the way in which the Oilers have handled things in recent weeks has many around the hockey world upset. That includes former NHLer and current TSN analyst Jeff O’Neill, who called it a classless move.
“I think it’s classless, man. I think it’s classless. Who cares about what Vegas does? But why would you not—if you’re going to do that—fire Kris Knoblauch? The guy took your team to two Finals and turned it around, and you do that to him? Like, I get it, this is a cutthroat business, and sometimes there’s a guy you want, and there’s a guy you need, and things happen. But how classless is it? If you’re going to do that, have some class and fire the guy. That’s disgusting,”
The 47-year-old Knoblauch’s three-year extension, which he signed to remain in Edmonton in October, doesn’t even kick in until the start of the 2026-27 campaign. He’s gone 135-77-21 across 233 regular-season games behind the Oilers’ bench, including a 31-22 playoff record, having, of course, led the team to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
There’s no doubt the writing appears to be on the wall for Knoblauch in Edmonton, and the sooner they make an official decision, the better for everyone involved.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Knoblauch returns behind the Oilers bench in 2026-27, and with Cassidy seemingly no longer an option, GM Stan Bowman and company may now have to shift their coaching search elsewhere.
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