Is Knoblauch’s Nuclear Option Blowing Up His Own Job Security with Oilers?

With Kris Knoblauch’s seat already warm this season, the fact that two superstars from the Edmonton Oilers have recently drawn attention to his coaching decisions is not good news. From Leon Draisaitl‘s subtle call-out before the Olympic break to Connor McDavid‘s recent love for Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper, Knoblauch has to be feeling some pressure, and it’s ironic that the two nuclear options that are often used to save him in games are what could also be his undoing.

It’s easy when you coach the Oilers to run out McDavid and Draisaitl to solve most of your problems. Down a goal? Pair them together to get one back. Trying to make the most of a power play? Put them on the ice. If the team isn’t “feeling it one night”, those two can create a spark. Knoblauch isn’t the first coach to be caught in that cycle while coaching a top-heavy group with two of the NHL’s most elite stars.

But what happens when you want to try something else? You either have to break your own bad habit or convince one of the two best players in the world to take a step back. That’s often easier said than done.

Knoblauch Is Stuck in the McDavid Trap

Sportsnet’s Mark Spector pointed out one example in a recent column. He writes, “It’s clearly a luxury, having a superstar like McDavid to send over the boards every night. But that luxury comes with a cost.” He goes on to explain:

“For instance: Knoblauch coaches a team that just acquired shutdown centre Jason Dickinson, yet against Tampa, Knoblauch deployed McDavid’s line against Tampa’s top unit. McDavid’s line got caved in, and one might wonder why you even acquired Dickinson if not to relieve McDavid of some defensive pressure?”

In other words, management went out and got a forward known for his solid defense, but the coach didn’t use him in that role. The result was Nikita Kucherov getting four points and a 5-2 Tampa Bay win, and McDavid, frustrated following the game, praising the other team’s coach and leaving questions about his own coach’s future.