Oilers fire head coach Kris Knoblauch

The Edmonton Oilers fired head coach Kris Knoblauch on Thursday after a disappointing season that ended with a first-round playoff exit against the Anaheim Ducks in six games. Knoblauch, 47, had been in charge since November 2023, replacing Jay Woodcroft, and had led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, losing to the Florida Panthers both times. The firing follows reports that the Oilers sought to interview former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, and comes amid strong criticism from star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who said the franchise took 'big steps back' this season.