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Friedman thinks Oilers want ‘grinder’ coach who will be ‘more strict’
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2026, 15:00 EDTUpdated: May 15, 2026, 15:06 EDT
The stoic ways of Kris Knoblauch behind the Edmonton Oilers’ bench were what the team needed when he was hired in 2023. But the organization feels now that the voice needs to be firmer and more demanding as they approach a true “cup-or-bust” season.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer believe that was part of the reason the Oilers dismissed Knoblauch officially on Thursday.
General manager Stan Bowman said as much during his press conference, looking for a coach who will get more accountability or “compliance” to play to the team’s structure.
On Friday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman laid out what he believed was behind the Oilers’ coaching move, including owner Daryl Katz.
Friedman referenced Knoblauch’s calm demeanour as a positive in the aftermath of Jay Woodcroft’s dismissal, and helpful for that team as they embarked on not one, but two visits to the Stanley Cup Final.
“He was a major factor in getting the team there and was what the players needed at the time,” said Friedman. “Now, I think in the aftermath of this defeat, I am hearing that the Oilers feel there needs to be a different approach.
“I think the Oilers want a coach who will be a bit more of a grinder, a bit more strict, and on top of their players a bit more,” he continued. “Just like they needed a change in personality when they brought in Kris Knoblauch three years ago, they felt they needed one now.”
He pointed directly at Bruce Cassidy as the Oilers target: “They are going to go hard after him.”
‘It was brought to his attention’
Stauffer was a guest on Real Kyper and Bourne on Sportsnet on Thursday, and they discussed how Knoblauch could be a candidate for the Toronto job.
Jokingly, Justin Bourne said he wouldn’t be able to handle the daily coach clips they play on the show, referencing Knoblauch’s slow and methodical answers in press conferences.
“That’s an area that Kris needed to improve on, and believe me when I say this, it was brought to his attention,” said Stauffer in response. “Some might sit there and watch that and think, does that extend into communication with the players, right?”
He used an example of when Ryan Poehling scored the controversial goal in Game 4 against Anaheim as a chance in Game 5 to have a “freebie” in riding the officials and getting some calls.
Instead, Leon Draisaitl got hit from behind on what appeared to be a penalty-worthy play, and it went uncalled.
“He gets cross-checked into the boards from behind, that’s a five-minute major in the regular season. There’s no penalty,” said Stauffer. “If I’m Kris, I’ve got a chance to show some frustration. I watched Joel Quenneville lose it on a non-icing call. Rod Brind’Amour – these guys are seasoned coaches, and I think sometimes a coach has to show a little bit of emotion.
“I think he would have to become more dynamic, and I’m going to talk to him about it, like that’s something you got to work on with your next gig.”
Stauffer said he 100 per cent guarantees there will not be a first-time NHL head coach behind the bench for the Oilers. Beyond Cassidy, he suggested Peter Laviolette and even recently fired Leafs coach Craig Berube. He also doesn’t believe Paul Coffey is an option.
Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4.
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