Edmonton Oilers

Knoblauch’s “Quote of the Day” Puts Oilers’ Blue Line on Blast

The Oilers’ defense was once ranked among the NHL’s best. Now Kris Knoblauch is openly challenging his top six to rediscover their game.

by
NHL Trade Talk
November 10, 2025

Just five months ago, The Athletic ranked the Edmonton Oilers’ blue line among the NHL’s best — calling it a “99th percentile” group and one of the deepest in the league. Today, that same defense is being called out by its own head coach.

Ahead of Monday’s game versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, and speaking to reporters after another rough stretch, Kris Knoblauch didn’t hold back.

“Connor and Leon should be the identity of the team,” Knoblauch said. “After that, it should be the top six defence.”

Needless to say, this season the Oilers’ defense has been their identity — just not in the way they hoped.

The Oilers’ Defense Needs To Step It Up

Through 16 games, Edmonton’s defense has been anything but the backbone it was billed to be. Specifically, Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and Jake Walman — the same four blueliners once hailed as elite — “can play better.” To a man and in separate interviews, all have said their games need improvement.

Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Mattas Ekholm of the Edmonton Oilers

The drop-off has been staggering. What was projected as a balanced mix of mobility, shutdown presence, and playoff-tested poise has instead become a revolving door of mistakes. Edmonton ranks near the bottom in high-danger chances allowed, and even Bouchard — touted as a “no-doubt franchise defenseman” by The Athletic — has struggled with costly turnovers and defensive lapses.

There’s already talk about possible adjustments. The Oilers could explore trade options if this continues, especially as pieces like Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, and Brett Kulak become tradeable assets that could be used to help this roster out.

Knoblauch’s message was clear: stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl shouldn’t have to carry the entire team. The blue line was supposed to be the identity behind them. Right now, (even more than the goaltending), it’s the biggest problem on the ice.

Next: Stuart Skinner Deserves More Time — Even After Oilers’ Successful ‘Panic’ Move