NHL insider Frank Seravalli has reiterated his prediction that the Edmonton Oilers will likely replace head coach Kris Knoblauch, offering a detailed critique of Knoblauch's performance during the 2025-26 season. Speaking on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, Seravalli argued that Knoblauch selected the wrong assistant coaches and failed to steer the team in the right direction.
Evaluation Underway
In response, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer noted that General Manager Stan Bowman stated after Edmonton's playoff loss to the Anaheim Ducks that he would conduct a full evaluation of the coaching staff and other aspects of the team. Stauffer said, “Hypothetically… once Stan Bowman does his full audit and his evaluation, if they do decide to make a change there, my guess hypothetically is we’re looking at an experienced coach coming in.”
Seravalli's Critique
Seravalli began by emphasizing that a coaching change has more than a 50 percent likelihood. “You have one shot to get this right,” he said, referring to Bowman's upcoming summer decisions. “You have one year to make your case to show significant improvement after your two best players (Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl) — and they included themselves in this — said that the organization is going in the wrong direction. So part of that includes the coaching staff.”
He added that the coaching staff was publicly criticized by those two players. Seravalli acknowledged that Knoblauch is a good coach but still has much to learn. “I think he’ll probably be better in his next run, wherever else that is.”
Seravalli outlined three main criticisms:
- Lack of growth: Knoblauch coached the team in year three the same way as in year one, despite the roster being different.
- Stubbornness and resistance to change: Evidenced by the late-season addition of Paul Coffey to the bench.
- Surrounding himself with inexperienced, like-minded individuals: This necessitated the addition of Coffey.
Seravalli stressed the need for diverse voices and challenges. “You need to be challenged. You need different voices. You need to push the envelope. That’s what Connor McDavid does every day when he walks through the door.”
Stauffer's Agreement
Stauffer agreed with Seravalli's assessment, calling it an interesting situation. “I agree that it was a very like-minded staff. I agree that this was a very average season.” He reminded listeners that he had previously predicted changes to the coaching staff but clarified that this does not necessarily mean the head coach will be removed.
