Insider Says Kris Knoblauch’s Seat is Getting Warmer in Edmonton

For the fourth straight year overall and second consecutive year under Kris Knoblauch, the Edmonton Oilers have gotten off to a poor start to a season. While their 9-8-4 record isn’t as bad as it’s been in previous years at this juncture, it’s clearly not good enough for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

---

Roster construction can certainly take some of the blame for that, but the talent is still there to be better than what we’ve seen thus far, and that falls on the coaching staff.

Given the inconsistencies through 21 games, whispers have emerged about the job security of Knoblauch, and on Tuesday, insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the Oilers bench boss’s seat is certainly heating up.

Seravalli said:

“I think the seat has gotten a little warmer under Kris Knoblauch as this road trip has gone on, their not seeing the returns. Jay Woodcroft was fired under pretty similar circumstances, even though Kris Knoblauch has taken this team to two straight Stanley Cup Finals. The seat’s getting warmer.”

Knoblauch has a 103-55-14 regular-season record behind the Oilers bench and has led the team to back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

How Much Runway Does Knoblauch Have Left?

While it feels inconceivable to already be talking about another coaching change in Edmonton after all of the success they’ve had with Knoblauch at the helm, it’s the easiest way to make a change in today’s NHL.

The shelf life of head coaches is as short as it’s ever been, and if the Oilers don’t start stringing together some wins and playing better as a whole, Knoblauch could find himself on the way out sooner than anyone could’ve imagined.

Missing the playoffs in 2025-26 is unacceptable for this team, and while they remain tied for a wild card spot with 22 points, Edmonton’s played far more games than those they’re competing with, which has their postseason odds slipping.

It’s still a bit too early to hit the panic button, but more losses like Monday night in Buffalo or the 9-1 drubbing at home against Colorado inch us closer to that point, so these conversations are fair to have.

Next: Insider Leaves Notable Maple Leaf Off Untouchables List