A billboard outside of Imperial, Saskatchewan, featuring Kris Knoblauch. According to TSN, Knoblauch was relieved of his coaching duties with the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. (Image Credit: Gillian Massie/980 CJME)
Bench boss change

Saskatchewan’s Kris Knoblauch fired from head coaching role with NHL’s Edmonton Oilers

May 14, 2026 | 10:13 AM

The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly made a coaching change after the team’s early exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs.

According to TSN, Kris Knoblauch was fired on Thursday morning.

Knoblauch, who hails from Imperial, Sask., led Edmonton to two straight Stanley Cup final appearances before the club’s first-round playoff exit this season.

The 47-year-old coach was hired in November of 2023 after the club got off to a poor start, despite a lineup led by star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Edmonton turned things around under Knoblauch and roared through three playoff rounds before falling to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the title series.

The Oilers returned to the final 12 months later, but lost to the Panthers once again.

Edmonton fell to the Anaheim Ducks this spring in a six-game series.

More to come.

–with files from the Canadian Press

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