Head Coach Kris Knoblauch spoke with the media today about the Oilers coaching changes, Paul Coffey returning to an advisory role, special teams assignments & more.
As the Edmonton Oilers continue their preparations for the upcoming season, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch took to the podium today to address a number of key topics. The press conference was highly anticipated, especially given the recent changes to the coaching staff, the return of franchise legend Paul Coffey in an advisory role, and the shifting assignments for the team’s special teams units. There were several questions on the minds of fans and reporters alike, and Knoblauch provided clear and thoughtful answers on the evolving landscape of the Oilers coaching staff, the implementation of new strategies, and what the team expects to achieve heading into the next campaign.
One of the most talked-about developments for the Oilers this offseason was the coaching changes. With a mix of fresh faces and familiar ones, Knoblauch discussed the overall impact of these adjustments on the team’s performance and culture. Jay Woodcroft and Dave Manson, two key assistants, had been promoted to prominent roles in recent years, but with the departure of Glenn Gawdin and Jim Playfair, changes were necessary. Knoblauch took the opportunity to emphasize that these decisions were made with one primary goal in mind: to elevate the team’s performance both on and off the ice.
“It was important for us to ensure we had the right people in the right positions to maximize our potential,” Knoblauch stated. “The changes to our coaching staff weren’t made lightly, but after careful consideration, we believe these moves will create the right balance of experience and fresh perspectives to move the team forward.”
Knoblauch’s comments highlighted that the changes were strategic, focusing on strengthening the development of individual players and enhancing team dynamics. The inclusion of Steve Smith, who brings a wealth of experience in defensive play, will give the team a solid foundation for improving their back end. This shift will be key in enhancing Edmonton’s overall defensive play, which had shown signs of vulnerability in past seasons. Knoblauch noted that Smith’s experience with previous teams will be invaluable as the Oilers look to improve in this area.
Another major storyline coming out of today’s presser was the return of Paul Coffey to the organization. The legendary defenseman, who has made an indelible mark on the Oilers’ storied history, will return in an advisory role. Coffey, one of the most successful defensemen in NHL history, played a crucial role in the Oilers’ 1980s dynasty, winning four Stanley Cups during his time in Edmonton. His return signals the team’s desire to tap into the rich legacy of their past while positioning themselves for future success.
“Having Paul Coffey back with us is a huge boost for our organization,” Knoblauch said with clear enthusiasm. “He’s been such an important part of the Oilers’ success throughout our history. His knowledge of the game, especially in terms of defending and transitioning to offense, is invaluable. We’re fortunate to have someone with his pedigree to help guide our players and the coaching staff as we continue to build.”
Coffey’s role will focus on mentoring the Oilers’ defensemen, offering his insights on how to approach the game at the highest level and sharing his vast experience with the current roster. It’s expected that Coffey will provide a particular emphasis on helping Edmonton’s young defensemen improve their puck movement, something the team has identified as an area for growth. Knoblauch made it clear that Coffey would have an active, hands-on role with the defensemen, offering advice during practices and reviewing game tape with the players.
The return of Coffey comes at a time when the Oilers are looking to improve their defensive structure, and Knoblauch believes that Coffey’s presence will help integrate both tactical development and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed at the NHL level.
When it comes to special teams, Knoblauch expressed that the Oilers are committed to improving both their power play and penalty kill units, areas where the team has shown both strength and inconsistency. While the Oilers’ power play has been one of the league’s best in recent years, the penalty kill has been a work in progress. Knoblauch emphasized that this is a point of focus heading into the season.
“We know that special teams are often the difference-makers in close games,” Knoblauch explained. “Our power play has been fantastic, but there’s always room for growth. We also know that the penalty kill is an area we’ve needed to shore up, and we’re dedicating a lot of resources to ensuring that both units are working at their best.”
With the coaching staff shake-up, there has been a change in the special teams assignments as well. Manny Viveiros, the team’s new assistant coach, will assume responsibility for overseeing both the power play and penalty kill. Viveiros, a former head coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) and a former assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks, brings a wealth of experience in managing special teams. Knoblauch believes that Viveiros’ emphasis on structure and attention to detail will elevate the special teams’ performance to a new level.
The power play will continue to run through the top line of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, with Tyson Barrie and Evan Bouchard offering their offensive support from the point. Knoblauch noted that they will experiment with different setups and personnel to ensure they maximize the talent available.
The penalty kill will see some changes as well. While Zach Hyman, Darnell Nurse, and Warren Foegele are expected to be key contributors, Knoblauch hinted that younger players might be asked to step up in key roles on the penalty kill to provide energy and fresh legs.
“It’s a work in progress,” Knoblauch said. “But we want to make sure that our special teams are a reliable aspect of our game. We’ve got some great players who will be key on both the power play and penalty kill, and we’ve got a coaching staff that is determined to put them in the best position to succeed.”
Knoblauch’s focus on special teams underscores the Oilers’ commitment to becoming a more well-rounded team. While they have certainly excelled offensively, this season will see the team place a renewed focus on areas of weakness in order to become more difficult to play against overall. The changes to the coaching staff and special teams personnel signal that this is an area where Knoblauch intends to make significant improvements.
Knoblauch also took the opportunity to speak about team culture and what he expects from his players heading into the season. It’s clear from his comments that the head coach is committed to building a team that is unified and focused on collective success, rather than individual accolades.
“We want a culture where every player is holding themselves accountable, where the expectations are clear and where everyone is pushing each other to be better every day,” Knoblauch said. “That’s the kind of environment we’re creating here in Edmonton. We know we’ve got the talent, but we need the right mindset and the right work ethic to achieve our goals. That’s what we’re working on every single day.”
Knoblauch spoke about the importance of leadership both on and off the ice. He pointed out that McDavid, as the team’s captain, will continue to set the tone, but the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on his shoulders. Knoblauch emphasized that every player, from veterans like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evander Kane to younger players like Kailer Yamamoto and Dylan Holloway, must contribute to the team’s leadership dynamic and the development of a winning culture.
As the Oilers approach the start of training camp, Head Coach Kris Knoblauch is clearly excited about the direction of the team. While there’s still plenty of work to be done, the changes to the coaching staff, the return of Paul Coffey, and the renewed focus on special teams show that the organization is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for success.
With a mix of established stars and emerging talent, the Oilers will look to take the next step and compete for the Stanley Cup. Knoblauch’s leadership, combined with the support of his revamped coaching staff, will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. The team will have to build on the momentum from previous seasons, but with a focus on improving defensively, enhancing special teams, and strengthening the team culture, it’s clear that the Oilers are taking a well-rounded approach as they look to raise the bar for the 2023-2024 season.
The media session was a clear indication that Knoblauch and his staff are focused, determined, and ready to implement the strategies needed to achieve their ultimate goal: winning the Stanley Cup. The changes made this offseason reflect the organization’s commitment to becoming more than just a high-powered offensive team—they are looking to be a complete, balanced unit capable of excelling in all aspects of the game.
