Edmonton Oilers

NHL Trade Talk Recap: Ovechkin Plans, Coffey on Oilers Rumors, Francis Leaving Kraken

Ovechkin is deciding his future, Ron Francis has decided his, and Paul Coffey squashes rumours of a rocky relationship with his head coach.

by
Ethan Braund
April 9, 2026

Wednesday was a heavy news day, with several stories centered around relationships—one that has ended, one that appears strained, and another that could see an organization bid adieu to one of the greats. It was another busy cycle across all levels, with players, coaches, and the front office each making headlines.

Alex Ovechkin has opened up about what might be a very tough offseason, as he decides whether to hang up his skates or continue his legendary career. Meanwhile, Oilers assistant coach Paul Coffey has addressed rumors of a rocky relationship with head coach Kris Knoblauch. The Seattle Kraken also announced Ron Francis’s resignation.

Will The Great 8 Join the Great One in Retirement?

Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin has confirmed to the media that he will decide his hockey future after this season. There were quite a few people who felt like the 2025-26 NHL season might be his last. But as of now, that is still up in the air.

In an exclusive interview with Capitals broadcaster John Walton, Ovechkin said he currently has no plans to retire but will talk with his family this summer before making a decision. With a Stanley Cup and the all-time goals record secured, there is not much more for the Hall of Fame to chase. With the only thing left being Gretsky’s career goals record, which includes his WHA totals, at 940.

Ovechkin currently sits at 928 goals. “I’m going to take some time after the season to reflect and talk with my family,” Ovechkin told Walton. “Then this summer I will make a decision about my future.” One of the biggest issues would be his health and whether his body can take one more season. After 20 seasons in the NHL, it will surely take a toll on a player, even one as durable as him. But no matter what, if he ends up deciding, one thing that is for certain is that he is the greatest goal scorer of all time.

Ovechkin Opens Up: Retirement Decision Looms This Summer

Coffey Set The Record Straight

There has been much talk around the so-called “rocky relationship” between Paul Coffey and head coach Kris Knoblauch. On Wednesday, Coffey came out and squashed the rumors that they don’t see eye to eye.

Paul Coffey Kris Knoblauch Oilers — Paul Coffey and Kris Knoblauch of the Oilers

When Paul Coffey returned to the team, it immediately sparked speculation that Kris Knoblauch might be on his way out. The thinking stemmed from their history—some believed Coffey had left earlier because the two didn’t see eye to eye, and he wasn’t keen on coaching anyway. Naturally, his return led many to wonder if something was brewing behind the scenes and whether it signaled trouble for the head coach.

However, those concerns quickly faded as the team turned things around after a stretch of struggles prior to Coffey’s return. Coffey himself also shut down the rumors, addressing the situation directly:

Ron Francis Says Goodbye to Seattle

The Seattle Kraken announced on Wednesday that Ron Francis will be stepping away from his role as President of Hockey Operations. He will finish out the rest of the season before leaving the team. He had a seven-year executive run, which included being the team’s very first general manager.