Was Knoblauch Hired Because Of This Connection?

The Oilers have fired Jay Woodcroft after the massively disappointing start to the season.

Steve Smith has been named interim head coach for the Rangers affiliate as the team have started their search for a replacement immediately.

Woodcroft has had the fifth most wins in the NHL since being hired as head coach for the Oilers. His record as coach is 79-41-13.

With this hire, Kris Knoblauch reunites with Connor McDavid, whom he spent three seasons coaching with the OHL's Erie Otters and guiding them to the championship in 2017.

Kris Knoblauch's body of work speaks for itself with the great work he has done with the Wolf Pack. McDavid clearly would give the team his blessing for the hire.

Kris Knoblauch, who has served as head coach of the Wolf Pack since 2019-20, has compiled a 119-90-32.

The team has been off to a strong 7-3-1 start for the 2023-24 season.

We wish him good luck and well wishes in the next step of his career!