Oilers’ Coaching Search Heats Up: Top Candidates Emerging for the Job

The Edmonton Oilers are entering a critical phase in their coaching search, with the futures of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl hanging in the balance. Following the departure of Kris Knoblauch after yet another early playoff exit, the organization is on the hunt for a seasoned coach who can elevate this talented roster to new heights.

Bruce Cassidy has emerged as the frontrunner, but the conversation has expanded to include other notable names like Jared Bednar, along with veterans such as Peter Laviolette, Craig Berube, and Patrick Roy. The Oilers are expected to intensify their pursuit in the coming weeks, aiming to secure a respected leader who can instill structure and maximize the potential of a roster that has often underperformed.

It’s no secret that Bruce Cassidy is a top target for the Oilers. Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon confirmed the interest, revealing that the Oilers attempted to deny their request to speak with Cassidy. The coach himself acknowledged the situation, mentioning that two teams have sought access to him. Insiders believe he is the leading choice due to his track record of success, including a Stanley Cup victory and a no-nonsense coaching style.

While Cassidy is a highly regarded option, there are hurdles to overcome. Vegas is currently blocking any interview requests, and if the Oilers are unable to engage with him, they may have to look elsewhere, potentially hiring an interim coach until Cassidy’s contract situation is resolved. Given the pressure to capitalize on their championship window, the Oilers may not be willing to wait.

Jared Bednar’s name has recently gained traction following Colorado’s disappointing playoff run. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Oilers, along with Toronto and Los Angeles, are “very curious” about Bednar’s situation. As a Saskatchewan native, he has a regional connection that adds to his appeal.

Should the Avalanche decide to move on from Bednar, it might be seen as an overreaction, as he is widely regarded as one of the NHL’s top coaches. His ability to develop young talent while managing elite players makes him a compelling candidate for the Oilers, especially given his modern system that aligns well with McDavid and Draisaitl’s skill sets.

However, Bednar is still under contract in Colorado for another year, and the Oilers would need permission to speak with him, making his availability uncertain.

Veteran coach Peter Laviolette has also been on the Oilers’ radar, with reports indicating that they have reached out to him or plan to do so. Known for his quick turnarounds with star-laden teams, Laviolette is viewed as either a top-tier option or a reliable fallback.

His Stanley Cup experience and offensive-minded approach would suit the Oilers’ roster well, and he has shown an ability to handle big personalities, which is crucial in a high-pressure environment like Edmonton. However, his recent absence from coaching and mixed results with previous teams raise questions about his readiness to step back into a head coaching role.

Craig Berube, the recently fired coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has also been interviewed by the Oilers. While his gritty coaching style and past success with the St. Louis Blues make him an intriguing candidate, concerns linger over his fit with Edmonton’s skill-focused roster, as reported clashes with star players in Toronto could pose a challenge.

Finally, Patrick Roy has emerged as a potential “shake-up” candidate, despite being considered a long shot. Known for his Hall of Fame career and competitive spirit, Roy could bring a much-needed energy to the Oilers. However, his polarizing personality and limited coaching experience could be viewed as risks.

John Tortorella is another name to monitor, especially as he guides the Vegas Golden Knights into the Stanley Cup Final without a contract for next season. His ability to extract immediate results could benefit the Oilers, but his combative nature and history of player relations issues may give the organization pause.

As the Oilers look to secure a proven winner with playoff experience, Bruce Cassidy remains the dream hire, while Jared Bednar has quickly become a realistic contender. The urgency to maximize the McDavid/Draisaitl window adds pressure to make the right choice.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.