This is a mistake”: Hockey world reacts to Edmonton Oilers firing Jay Woodcroft.see more details 👇
The Edmonton Oilers’ decision to fire head coach Jay Woodcroft on November 12, 2023, after a disappointing 3–9–1 start to the season, was met with widespread surprise and criticism across the hockey community. Despite the team’s early struggles, many believed that Woodcroft’s dismissal was premature, especially considering his previous successes with the team.
Woodcroft had been at the helm of the Oilers for parts of three seasons, leading them to the Western Conference Finals in his first year and the conference semifinals the following year. His overall record stood at an impressive 79-41-13 in 133 regular-season games, with a 14-14 record in the Stanley Cup Playoffs . Under his guidance, the Oilers had become a formidable force in the NHL, and his firing after just 13 games into the 2023–24 season raised eyebrows.
The decision to replace Woodcroft with Kris Knoblauch, who had no prior NHL head coaching experience, was seen by many as a knee-jerk reaction to the team’s early-season woes. Critics argued that firing a coach after a slow start, especially one who had previously brought success, was not a wise move . Moreover, the lack of experience of Knoblauch in the NHL and the fact that he had never led a team to a championship made his hiring a questionable decision.
Adding to the controversy was the fact that the Oilers had just secured a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken the night before Woodcroft’s dismissal. General Manager Ken Holland acknowledged the timing but emphasized the need for a change to salvage the season . However, many felt that the decision was hasty and that Woodcroft deserved more time to turn things around.
The players themselves were reportedly caught off guard by the coaching change. Captain Connor McDavid expressed his surprise, stating, “Didn’t see it coming. I loved playing for Woody, loved playing for Manse. Two unbelievable coaches.” Teammate Leon Draisaitl echoed these sentiments, highlighting the coaches’ contributions to the team’s recent successes .
Despite the initial backlash, Knoblauch’s tenure began with a remarkable turnaround. The Oilers went on a 16-game winning streak, setting a new franchise record, and finished the regular season with a 49–27–6 record, securing second place in the Pacific Division . Under Knoblauch’s leadership, the team reached the Stanley Cup Finals, marking their first appearance since 2006 .
While the coaching change ultimately led to a successful season, many still view the firing of Jay Woodcroft as a harsh and premature decision. His contributions to the team’s development and success over the previous seasons were significant, and his dismissal serves as a reminder of the often unforgiving nature of professional sports.