“Joke of an organization,” NHL fans BLAST Edmonton Oilers for firing head coach Jay Woodcroft despite team’s latest win

NHL fans are bashing the Edmonton Oilers for suddenly firing head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson despite team’s latest 4-1 win against Kraken.

“Joke of an organization,” NHL fans BLAST Edmonton Oilers for firing head coach Jay Woodcroft despite team’s latest win

Jay Woodcroft [Image Credit: Daily Hive]

Following a 4-1 win against Seattle Kraken, the Edmonton Oilers took to X on Sunday to announce sudden coaching changes. The firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson shook the NHL world overnight.

Fans have been questioning the team’s decision-makers for this abrupt change, despite the team’s latest win in the 2023-24 regular season match. The team’s performance has not been top-notch since the season started, and many even questioned the player’s capabilities, including captain Connor McDavid.

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Some even concluded that McDavid may be going through a slump, and wished Leon Draisaitl could pick the team up, but the alternate captain failed to do so. Following the firing of Jay Woodcroft, GM Ken Holland stated that it’s been a difficult decision to make, dating their connection back to 2005.

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“We’re in the win-now mode. The time is now to try to win…I think if you wait another 10 games and things don’t change, it’s probably too late.”

When asked if any players called out Woodcroft on his coaching, Holland noted that it wasn’t the case. He even said that this decision has “disappointed” many players on the team but “I’m paid to make decisions, difficult decisions.”

Jay Woodcroft will be replaced by Kris Knoblauch, Connor McDavid’s former coach in Erie Otters of the OHL. On the other hand, Paul Coffey will be added to the team as assistant coach. 

McDavid has relations with both the newly appointed head coach and even Oilers CEO of hockey operation Jeff Jackson, leading many to believe ‘The Chosen One’ has played a role in Woodcroft’s firing. Jackson during the press conference confirmed that players had no role in this decision.

Kris Knoblauch thankful for “unbelievable opportunity” of coaching Oilers in the coming days

Kris Knoblauch [Image Credit: Sportsnet]
Kris Knoblauch [Image Credit: Sportsnet]

Kris Knoblauch will debut as Edmonton Oilers’ new head coach during the team’s game against NY Islanders on Monday. He talked about his experience of getting selected as the team’s new head coach, calling it a “dream” come true for him.

Knoblauch said that “it’s an unbelievable opportunity” for him and that the past 24 hours have been crazy. While taking a flight to Edmonton from OHL, he admitted it all was “a little bit of a dream for me.” He was also the coach of current Oilers captain Connor McDavid.

Several fans did not like the Oilers firing Woodcroft. One stated, “What a joke of an organization,” while another blasted the team by stating that terminating Woodcroft “is a massive f***ing mistake.” Many are hoping this change brings out positive outcomes in the future.

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Under Jay Woodcroft’s guidance, the team qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past two seasons but were eliminated each time – in 2022 by the Colorado Avalanche, and in 2023 by the Vegas Golden Knights. With these new changes in staff, his reign with the Oilers has finally come to an end. 

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