The Edmonton Oilers are expected to fire head coach Kris Knoblauch following a disappointing 2025-26 season, with Bruce Cassidy emerging as the leading candidate to take over behind the bench. According to Sportsnet’s Mark Spector, Knoblauch had not been officially let go as of late Wednesday morning but is expected to be dismissed by the end of the day. The Oilers’ early playoff exit and inconsistent regular season performance have prompted a major coaching shakeup.
After reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in recent seasons, the Oilers took a noticeable step back in 2025-26. The team struggled to find consistency, recording just one three-game winning streak until late in the season. Their playoff exit in the first round marked a stark contrast to the expectations surrounding the team, which features elite talents like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Knoblauch, who guided the Oilers to two Stanley Cup Finals as head coach, saw his influence tested this season. This was his first year with full control over his coaching staff, including assistant coaching selections, but the results failed to match the team’s star power. The Oilers committed 3.82 average goals against per game, their highest since the 2020-21 season, and ranked in the bottom half of the NHL in penalty kill efficiency at 78.2 percent.
The team’s lack of identity and defensive structure became a recurring issue. Multiple players struggled with role consistency and the Oilers failed to show a cohesive system. With McDavid and Draisaitl entering their prime and the window narrowing, management is clearly looking for a new direction.
Bruce Cassidy is now the top name in the mix to replace Knoblauch. The 57-year-old has built a reputation for demanding accountability and structure, qualities that the Oilers lacked this season. A Stanley Cup winner with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, Cassidy is known for maximizing talent and building a strong team identity. His track record includes a 104-point season in Boston in 2018-19 and a .612 winning percentage over the last five seasons.
If hired, Cassidy is expected to bring in his own assistant coaches, signaling a full reset behind the bench. The Oilers have just over two weeks before the NHL Draft and training camp to finalize their decision. The next step is clear: the team needs a coach who can help them finally win the Stanley Cup.
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