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After a disappointing 2025-26 season that ended in a first-round series loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the Edmonton Oilers fired Kris Knoblauch from his head coaching duties.
It wasn’t necessarily surprising to see Knoblauch let go, as the Oilers took a notable step in the wrong direction this season. However, whether it was fair that he was fired is worth debating.
Regardless, the Oilers now need to find a new head coach after firing Knoblauch. Because of this, let’s look at four potential coaches who could make sense for the Oilers to hire.
Bruce Cassidy
Frank Seravalli of Hockey 24/7 recently reported that the Oilers have already tried to interview Bruce Cassidy, but the Vegas Golden Knights blocked them from doing so. Given this, Edmonton is already known to be interested in Cassidy, so it certainly feels fair to include him on this list.
Cassidy could be an amazing fit for the Oilers’ head coaching gig. He has had a ton of success as an NHL head coach, including leading the Golden Knights to their Stanley Cup triumph in 2023. With the Oilers being in their Stanley Cup window, bringing in a coach like Cassidy would make a lot of sense.
MORE: Opinion: Golden Knights Cross The Line By Preventing Oilers From Interviewing Bruce Cassidy
Craig Berube
Craig Berube is another name to watch when it comes to the Oilers’ vacant head coaching job. In fact, he has already been confirmed as a candidate.
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun reported that the Oilers will be interviewing Berube after getting permission from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Like Cassidy, Berube is a head coach who has already won a Stanley Cup during his coaching career. This certainly adds to his appeal, and he could help an Oilers club looking to improve in 2026-27.
MORE: Three Potential Landing Spots For Craig Berube Following Maple Leafs Dismissal
Manny Malhotra
If the Oilers want to take a chance on someone new, Manny Malhotra stands out as a fascinating potential option. While he has yet to be a head coach at the NHL level, he previously served as an assistant coach for both the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He also helped lead the Abbotsford Canucks to their Calder Cup championship in his first season as head coach of the AHL squad.
With this in mind, Malhotra could be a very good coach for the Oilers to take a chance on. While he may not have the same kind of experience as Cassidy and Berube, he has the potential to emerge as a top NHL head coach.
MORE: Should The Vancouver Canucks Hold Onto Coach Adam Foote?
David Carle
Could the Oilers try to lure David Carle to the NHL? The 36-year-old has had a plethora of successes as the head coach of Denver University, leading the school to three NCAA titles since 2022, including this season.
With how much success Carle has had coaching at the collegiate level, it should only be a matter of time before he lands his first NHL gig. He has already generated interest from NHL teams in the past and could be a great young coach for the Oilers to take a chance on.
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