Oilers To Take “Big Run at this Guy,” Says Insider

When asked if the media conference held by Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman on Thursday told him anything about the way the Oilers conducted business as head coach Kris Knoblauch was fired, insider Elliotte Friedman believes Edmonton was clumsy but unapologetic.

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“To me, it just seems like this whole thing is because of Bruce Cassidy.” Friedman said, “This is not the way that these things are supposed to go, but I don’t think Edmonton is apologizing at all, for we have to review what we have to review.”

The Oilers were going to talk to Cassidy regardless. They decided to review every aspect of the team, and that meant checking in on other coaching opportunities. Friedman said, “…if it doesn’t get out you know there’s a chance that Cassidy is a no and Knoblauch is still the coach right, so I think really what it comes down to is they targeted him or someone like him.”

Cassidy is the biggest name on the market that has won everywhere he’s been. Craig Berube was just let go, but Friedman didn’t believe Berube was on Edmonton’s radar. He figures it would have been down to Cassidy or Jon Cooper, but Cooper is not available.

“I just think the way this unfolded, it’s hard not to look at it and think Edmonton is going to take a big run at this guy and try to get him as quick as they can.”

The Oilers said they’ll do an exhaustive search and while they don’t want things to drag on, it will take as long as it takes to find the right guy. If Friedman is right, as long as it takes likely just means waiting for Vegas to stop withholding the chance to interview Cassidy and let the Oilers and the former Golden Knights coach work out the details of a contract.

Next: Did the Oilers Mishandle the Kris Knoblauch Situation?