The Edmonton Oilers are facing major criticism after reports surfaced that the organization sought permission to interview former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy while Kris Knoblauch remains employed as head coach.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that Edmonton contacted Vegas regarding Cassidy following the Golden Knights’ decision to fire him in March. However, Vegas reportedly denied permission for the interview request.
The move immediately sparked backlash across the hockey world, with several analysts questioning how the Oilers handled the situation.
Speaking on TSN OverDrive, former NHL forward Jeff O’Neill strongly criticized Edmonton management.
“I think it’s classless, man,” O’Neill said. “… If you’re gonna do that, fire Kris Knoblauch. The guy took your team to two finals and turned it around, and you do that to him.”
“I get it, this is a cutthroat business, and sometimes there’s a guy you want, and there’s a guy you need, and some things happen, but how classless is it? If you’re gonna do that, have some class and fire the guy. That’s disgusting.”
O’Neill continued by questioning how Knoblauch must feel while reading public reports linking the organization to another coach.
“Just fire the guy if you’re gonna do it,” O’Neill added. “What is the guy sitting on his couch reading Frank Seravalli’s tweet and the Bruce Cassidy stuff?”
Bryan Hayes also questioned Edmonton’s intentions.
“If you’re reaching out to talk to Bruce Cassidy, why would you do that unless the job’s available?” Hayes said.
Craig Button also questioned the Oilers management approach
The criticism did not stop there for the Oilers. Former NHL executive Craig Button also disapproved of the Oilers’ reported actions during an appearance on the Donnie and Dhali podcast. “I think it’s a thin book on human relations by the Edmonton Oilers, who have a coach in place, and they’re asking for permission to go talk to a coach,” Button said. “You wanna talk about Vegas and that, I don’t know what happened there. Bottom line is the Edmonton Oilers is – like, that’s a piss-poor way to treat people. You’re Kris Knoblauch, and you’re going, “What? Really?” “You wanna change the coach? Go change the coach. No problem with that. But this is how you’re gonna proceed? Not a good look for the Edmonton Oilers management group.” The backlash comes after Edmonton endured a disappointing 2025-26 season. Despite entering the year with Stanley Cup expectations following consecutive Final appearances, the Oilers finished with a 41-30-11 record before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round. Defensive struggles, injuries, and poor special teams contributed heavily to the collapse. Connor McDavid later described Edmonton as “an average team with high expectations.” Knoblauch still owns a strong 135-77-21 coaching record after replacing Jay Woodcroft in 2023. He also guided the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.