We have our first official head coaching casualty in the NHL for the 2023-24 season, and it was 𓂃a guy who ma🌞ny thought had a great chance of lifting the Stanley Cup in June.
The Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft on Sunday morning, replacing him with Hartford Wolf Pack head coach Kris Knoblauch. Assistant coach Dave Manson was also relieved of his duties. Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey will move to the bench as part of Knoblauch’s staff.
Knoblauch, 45, coached Connor McDavid for two years with the Erie Otters in the OHL. He also coached former Blackhawks✅ forwards Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome and current Blackhawks forward Taylor Raddysh during his tenure with Erie.
Former Blackhawks defenseman Steve Smith will tak💛e over as theღ interim head coach in Hartford.