Story perspectives

Oilers Fire Coaching Duo After Disappointing Playoff Exit

5/15/2026

Summary

Oilers Fire Coaches

The Edmonton Oilers fired coaches Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart on May 14, 2026.
General manager Stan Bowman said the 41-30-11, 93-point season that ended with a loss to Anaheim Ducks required a voice, adding that players Connor McDavid called the team ‘average all year’ and Leon Draisaitl said it took ‘big steps back.’
Knoblauch’s three-year extension signed Oct. 3, 2025 will start in 2026-27, requiring the Oilers to honor the remaining salary while seeking a new coach.

Summary

Oilers Fire Coach

The Oilers dismissed their head coach, the NHL’s sixth coaching firing this season.
Leon Draisaitl will start the second year of an eight-year $112 million contract worth $14 million annually.
Connor Ingraham posted a .899 save percentage and a 2.60 goals-against average this season.
Scoring depth stayed a concern because Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had only 57 points while the top two combined for 235.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 the New York Rangers fired John Tortorella after a 27-41-14 season that earned only 68 points and a first-round playoff loss, illustrating the NHL’s pattern of dismissing coaches following sub-par results. The league’s history of such changes, from the Rangers’ 2009 move to later franchise decisions, underscores the pressure to meet performance expectations.

1 of 3

Oilers Fire Coaches

The Edmonton Oilers fired coaches Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart on May 14, 2026.
General manager Stan Bowman said the 41-30-11, 93-point season that ended with a loss to Anaheim Ducks required a voice, adding that players Connor McDavid called the team ‘average all year’ and Leon Draisaitl said it took ‘big steps back.’
Knoblauch’s three-year extension signed Oct. 3, 2025 will start in 2026-27, requiring the Oilers to honor the remaining salary while seeking a new coach.

1 / 3