The Edmonton Oilers' recent decision to fire head coach Jay Woodcroft and hire Kris Knoblauch as his replacement has sparked widespread surprise and speculation. Despite Woodcroft's notable success with the team, he was let go, which led to questions about star player Connor McDavid's influence within the organization. Veteran NHL analyst Don Cherry commented on this significant change during his podcast.
Cherry expressed astonishment at Woodcroft's firing, especially since it occurred after a game win. He speculated that Woodcroft might not be overly concerned due to the substantial salary he would continue to receive. Cherry humorously mispronounced Knoblauch's name and had limited comments on him. However, he praised Paul Coffey, Knoblauch's new assistant, based on Coffey's experience coaching younger players like the Toronto Marlies minor midget team. Cherry admired Coffey's coaching style, particularly his tactics during power plays and his overall effectiveness.
Regarding the rumors about McDavid's role in the team's management decisions, Cherry refuted the idea that McDavid wants to control the team. He suggested that McDavid would prefer not to have such a reputation, as he already has enough responsibilities. Cherry noticed some early changes in the team's approach under the new coaching, such as the rearrangement of defensemen in the locker room. He interpreted these changes as a shift towards a more "old school" approach, aligning with his own philosophy of the game.
Overall, Cherry's remarks reflect his surprise at the Oilers' coaching change, his respect for Coffey's coaching abilities, and his belief in McDavid's disinterest in exerting control over team decisions. This coaching shift represents a significant moment for the team, drawing attention to their strategies and management style within the NHL.
