Vegas Coaching Change Means Never Too Late for Oilers to Make Big Move

Not that long ago, there was talk that Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch was on the hot seat. Comments from Connor McDavid about systems and Leon Draisaitl about how everyone had to be better, and it started with the coaching, led fans to believe there was concern. However, the Oilers have strung together three consecutive wins, so the noise has quieted. But Sunday’s decision by the Vegas Golden Knights to fire Bruce Cassidy and hire John Tortella is a reminder that anything is possible.

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Cassidy was a Stanley Cup winner. Not that long ago (2023), in fact. That’s something Knoblauch can’t boast, despite getting close twice. Still, the Golden Knights fired Cassidy, proving they’re about as ruthless as it comes when making big decisions. Their mentality is, ‘If you’re not getting us what we need today, there’s no tomorrow.’

Related: Golden Knights Make Ruthless Coaching Change: Hire Tortorella

NHL insider Frank Seravalli wrote, “Can’t do anything but marvel at the absolute ruthless nature with which the Vegas Golden Knights operate. No one is bulletproof. No acquisition is impossible. No one thing will stand in the way of attempting to win. Perhaps no more fascinating organization in pro sports.”

So, the truth of the matter is, if the Golden Knights can make that call, so can the Oilers.

Things would have to go sideways, and it would mean the Oilers go on a tremendously bad run. But they have a lot to lose, and failing to make the playoffs is unacceptable. The Oilers aren’t in yet, and any indication they could miss will trigger serious talks about Knoblauch’s future.

It Would Be Unlikely, But It’s Possible

Chris Johnston writes, “Incredibly rare for a playoff-bound NHL team to change coaches this late in the regular season: The Golden Knights have eight games left and hope to follow the 2000 New Jersey Devils, who won a Stanley Cup when Larry Robinson replaced Robbie Ftorek after 74 games.” The Oilers have eight games remaining as well and are only three points ahead of Vegas. The team has already made a coaching change, bringing in Paul Coffey, and with some big names available, Pete Deboer and now Cassidy, Edmonton could land a significant name if trouble surfaces.

The likelihood is that Edmonton is fine, and there’s no need to move on from Knoblauch. Should fortunes change, the Cassidy firing proves it’s never too late to try and save a season.

Next: Will Connor McDavid’s Play Without Draisaitl Win Him the Hart?