Despite the numerous head coaching vacancies in the NHL, former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Kris Knoblauch isn’t expected to pursue another job in the immediate future, according to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug.
The 47-year-old native of Imperial, Sask., who was fired earlier this month after the Oilers fell to the Anaheim Ducks in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is unlikely to “engage in the application process for some time,” reports Rishaug.
“Kris Knoblauch would likely be a candidate for any of the current openings but my sense is he will not step back behind an NHL bench right away or engage in the application process for some time,” Rishaug wrote on X. “With family recently relocating to Edmonton and some breathing room with his three year contract, I’d expect him to be out of the mix for the time being after a long couple of seasons.”
Lots of activity on the coaching front right now, and another opening in Vancouver as of today. Kris Knoblauch would likely be a candidate for any of the current openings but my sense is he will not step back behind an NHL bench right away or engage in the application process…
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) May 20, 2026
Three Canadian clubs are in need of a new coach after the Oilers relieved Knoblauch of his duties, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired Craig Berube, and the Vancouver Canucks let go of Adam Foote on Tuesday.
Knoblauch replaced Jay Woodcroft in November 2023, leading the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season at the helm before losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games.
Under Knoblauch, the Oilers made it back to the Cup Final last season, once again losing to the Panthers, this time in six games.
The Oilers finished with a 41-30-11 record in 2025-26, good for second place in the Pacific Division before falling in six games to the Ducks earlier this month.
