The Edmonton Oilers are skating on thin ice as the 2025-26 season heats up. Tuesday night's big win catapulted them into a tie with the Anaheim Ducks for the top spot in the Pacific Division. But with the standings tighter than a goalie’s glove, every game matters-especially now, as they face the challenge of playing without Leon Draisaitl.
According to MoneyPuck, the Oilers have an 87.9% chance of making the playoffs. Yet, if things go south and they either miss the postseason or exit early, head coach Kris Knoblauch might find himself in hot water. NHL insider Frank Seravalli has put Knoblauch on his shortlist of coaches feeling the heat.
“Kris Knoblauch is on that list along with the Oilers. If you’re a team that loses in the first round, or worse, doesn’t make the playoffs, expect some changes in Edmonton,” Seravalli noted.
Knoblauch isn’t alone; coaches like Craig Berube, Sheldon Keefe, André Tourigny, D.J. Smith, and Scott Arniel are also under pressure.
Knoblauch, 47, has been a steady hand for the Oilers, boasting a solid 128-73-19 regular-season record over 220 games, and a 29-18 playoff record. This includes two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Finals. His recent three-year contract extension keeps him in Edmonton through the 2028-29 season.
Despite taking the Connor McDavid- and Draisaitl-led squad further than any of his predecessors, this season has been rocky. Knoblauch’s heavy reliance on his star players has sparked criticism, especially considering their packed schedule over recent years.
If the Oilers can muster another deep playoff run, Knoblauch’s job might be safe. The Pacific Division isn’t the strongest, offering a glimmer of hope. However, this year’s team hasn’t shown the same dominance as before, making their path to glory anything but guaranteed.