Report: Kris Knoblauch's Coaching Plans Revealed

Edmonton Oilers former head coach Kris Knoblauch

It was a brutal way to go out. Kris Knoblauch led the Edmonton Oilers to two Stanley Cup Finals, but after bowing out in the first round this season, he found he was no longer in the team's plans through a leaked rumor.

That gut punch has apparently soured Knoblauch on coaching an NHL team anytime soon, as we get a report from The Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga that not only is Knoblauch not considering a run at the Toronto job opening, he's not considering getting back behind a bench at all for a while.

Don’t expect Kris Knoblauch to be part of Toronto’s coaching search.

I’m told he plans to step away after what happened in Edmonton, and isn’t rushing into his next job. @TLNdc
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) May 26, 2026

"I’m told he plans to step away after what happened in Edmonton, and isn’t rushing into his next job," Alberga posted.

Knoblauch has plenty of time to consider his future, as, despite being fired, he has the luxury of a brand new three-year contract with Edmonton that hasn't even kicked in yet. It was signed on October 3, and is reportedly worth about $7.5 million total ($2.5 million annually). Unless he signs a more lucrative deal with another team, he can simply collect that salary from the Oilers for the next three years without setting foot behind a bench.

What led to Knoblauch's souring on the coaching business

Shortly after Edmonton was eliminated in the first round earlier this month, word leaked that the Oilers were denied permission to speak with former Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy. Thing is, Knoblauch was still the Oilers' head coach. He heard the rumors like the rest of us.

A couple of days later, on May 14, the axe officially fell, as Knoblauch was relieved of his duties. The team was ripped around the league for its handling of the whole affair.

Meanwhile, the Golden Knights still have not granted permission for the Oilers, or anyone else, to talk to Cassidy, who remains under contract with them, despite being fired, for another year.