Two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and a postseason appearance were not enough save Kris Knoblauch's job, as the Oilers fired the head coach Thursday after three full seasons at the helm. Assistant coach Mark Stuart was also terminated. Knoblauch was given a three-year extension following last spring's run through the Stanley Cup final and that is still in effect — he will get paid the balance of that deal until it is offset (in part or in full) by Knoblauch signing with another team.
General manager Stan Bowman said, "Following a thorough review of this past season, we believe these changes are needed. We are grateful for the contributions both Kris and Mark have made to our organization and we wish them the best moving forward."
In a lengthy press conference that followed, Bowman added " ... They're excellent coaches and tremendous guys. They did everything they could every day. They're really hard workers, and I enjoyed my experience with them. These are tough decisions. I wish them nothing but the best going forward. I think they're really good hockey minds, and they have a bright future ... this is a tough decision, no question." Bowman did not go into why the organization decided to fire Knoblauch "after a lengthy review," but mentioned players no being at their best in several responses to other questions.
When challenged by a reporter on the front office's culpability in the team regressing this season, Bowman said, “Well, I think we were definitely partly to blame for where we are today. We're not trying to hide from that. I think when a team doesn't have success, there are usually multiple reasons for that. It's typically not just the coach or the players or management. In my experience in hockey over many years, on teams that don't have success, there's usually culpability in many different areas. So there's no question that was the case here."
My take: Uhh ... you mean the Tristan Jarry trade, Mr. Bowman? This team will continue to fall short without improved defense. Period. It's personnel based. That's all on the front office, but they're never keen on firing themselves. If I was the owner and my GM came to me wanting to fire the head coach who, after two consecutive Stanley Cup performances, he recommended I shell out a three-year extension, I'd tell him to pack up his office and follow Knoblauch out the door.
THE ASYLUM
Oilers can Knoblauch
Two consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and a postseason appearance were not enough save Kris Knoblauch's job, as the Oilers fired the head coach Thursday after three full seasons at the helm. Assistant coach Mark Stuart was also terminated. Knoblauch was given a three-year extension following last spring's run through the Stanley Cup final and that is still in effect — he will get paid the balance of that deal until it is offset (in part or in full) by Knoblauch signing with another team.
General manager Stan Bowman said, "Following a thorough review of this past season, we believe these changes are needed. We are grateful for the contributions both Kris and Mark have made to our organization and we wish them the best moving forward."
In a lengthy press conference that followed, Bowman added " ... They're excellent coaches and tremendous guys. They did everything they could every day. They're really hard workers, and I enjoyed my experience with them. These are tough decisions. I wish them nothing but the best going forward. I think they're really good hockey minds, and they have a bright future ... this is a tough decision, no question." Bowman did not go into why the organization decided to fire Knoblauch "after a lengthy review," but mentioned players no being at their best in several responses to other questions.
When challenged by a reporter on the front office's culpability in the team regressing this season, Bowman said, “Well, I think we were definitely partly to blame for where we are today. We're not trying to hide from that. I think when a team doesn't have success, there are usually multiple reasons for that. It's typically not just the coach or the players or management. In my experience in hockey over many years, on teams that don't have success, there's usually culpability in many different areas. So there's no question that was the case here."
My take: Uhh ... you mean the Tristan Jarry trade, Mr. Bowman? This team will continue to fall short without improved defense. Period. It's personnel based. That's all on the front office, but they're never keen on firing themselves. If I was the owner and my GM came to me wanting to fire the head coach who, after two consecutive Stanley Cup performances, he recommended I shell out a three-year extension, I'd tell him to pack up his office and follow Knoblauch out the door.
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