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3 Reasons Kris Knoblauch Is the Best Oilers Choice

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 9:19 AM ET

Things are never boring in Edmonton. The latest wrinkle is that Paul Coffey has returned as an assistant coach, and the whisper around town is that this came straight from ownership. Technically, Kris Knoblauch could’ve said no, but he didn’t. That alone tells you something about the room and how he handles pressure. Still, anytime roles shift behind the scenes, folks start wondering if the coach is suddenly on thin ice.

Here’s the thing: even with all the noise, Knoblauch is still the best guy for this job. And it’s not even close.

Reason 1. Knoblauch Took a Mess and Turned It Into Two Cup Runs

People seem to forget where this team was when he first walked through the door. Three wins in thirteen games, fans cranky, the city was on edge. And then he steadied the whole operation. The turnaround was more than luck. It was more than a hot streak.

In Knoblauch, the Oilers had a coach who knew what he had, trusted his stars, and laid out a structure that everyone could actually play. That first season? Forty-six wins after taking over midseason. A franchise-record win streak. A trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Then he did it again in season two. That’s not a fluke—that’s coaching.

Reason 2. The Stars Believe in Knoblauch (and That’s Half the Battle)

Knoblauch’s success has built trust among his stars. If Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl weren’t buying what he was selling, this story would’ve ended a long time ago. But the opposite happened. McDavid loosened up, looked energized, and took over games again. Draisaitl didn’t just score—he put up two 106-point seasons, won the Rocket, and signed for big money.

Superstars don’t commit like that unless they believe the bench is pointed in the right direction. Knoblauch gets them. They get him. You don’t mess with that kind of chemistry.

Reason 3. Knoblauch Is Calm, Modern, and Built for a Market That Eats Coaches Alive

Edmonton is not a gentle place for coaches. One bad week and the city is ready to trade half the roster. Knoblauch never flinches. He doesn’t bark for the cameras. He doesn’t throw blame around. He just coaches—adjusts on the fly, trusts his players, and keeps the temperature low when everyone else is running hot.

His playoff composure last year? That alone should’ve earned him a lifetime pass. Down 3–0 in the Final and the team still believed. That comes from the bench. Then, in year two, an injured roster and the Finals again. You don’t dump someone who gets the team this close.

When was the last time that happened in Edmonton? Answer that question, and you know why the organization should keep him.

The Bottom Line for Knoblauch and the Oilers

Yes, things are choppy right now. Coffey’s return muddies the waters. The pressure is enormous. But replacing Knoblauch would set this franchise back again. He understands the room and the moment, and he has already proven he can take this group deep.

The Oilers don’t need a new voice. They need stability—and he’s the steady hand needed to lead the Oilers to sustained success

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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