Weird Rumors of Controversial Coaching Change for Top Picks – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

In a recent article of AthleticAllan Mitchell addressed the growing concern from Edmonton Oilers fans about the team's sluggish start and possible moves under new GM Stan Bowman. Mitchell points out that some fans are speculating that one of Bowman's biggest decisions to plug a hole in the leaky boat could be bringing in Joel Quenneville as head coach—which would raise eyebrows this early in the season.

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Some Oilers fans are sure Bowman's first big move will be the announcement of Joel Quenneville as the team's new head coach. That can be a shocking development at first.

source – 'Is there a major trade for the Edmonton Oilers' in the near future?' – Allan Mitchell – The Athletic – 10/14/2024

However, Mitchell rightly suggests that patience is the better way. This particular writer agrees. Let Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Darnell Nurse, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and other leaders fix this before the organization turns a bad situation into a public relations nightmare.

This is a Wild Rumor and a Long Shot at Best

It's one thing that the Oilers hired Bowman at all. It would be another if Bowman's first move was to retrieve his old coach from an organization rife with allegations of misconduct. One has to assume that Bowman would know better and that's not even counting the fact that Knoblauch deserves better.

“It's three games,” Mitchell said, noting that injuries early in the season and being careful to play veterans contributed to the Oilers' lack of success early in the season. Edmonton lacks intensity and urgency in the opening matchups, which is likely a combination of the disappointment of the Stanley Cup final and the same thing that always plagues the team – thinking that they are too good to play simple hockey.

Related: Edmonton Oilers Worst Stats From Terrible Start to 2024-25 Season

Mitchell insisted it was too early to jump to conclusions or make any major changes, even if his entire article was about the possibility of the Oilers making a trade for someone like Timothy Liljegren. That kind of trade is not possible anymore.

If the Oilers are going to make a change, it won't be with a coach or by making a blockbuster deal.

While some have suggested that acquiring defenseman Timothy Liljegren could help stabilize Edmonton's defense, Mitchell highlights that the Oilers have already made significant defensive moves over the summer. The Oilers are trying to get Ty Emberson and Travis Dermott to settle into the team, and Josh Brown's recent long-term deal suggests he is an important part of the Oilers' plans moving forward.

If there's a fix coming, it's small – something like Mark Giordano, Kevin Shattenkirk, or Justin Schultz.

What Happens If Fat Continues to Lose?

Mitchell admits that if the defeats continue to pile up, questions will inevitably be raised about the ability of the coach and management to build the team after last season's play-off struggles. But, if fans are asking how this team is rebuilding in the summer, it would be good to question any thought of bringing in Joel Quenneville.

Edmonton has proven that they are not afraid to hire people with a past. Also, they will pull the trigger if things get away from them. At the same time, Knoblauch should have a longer leash than the first few games of the season. Although it is up to him to find the right mix of players, this 0-3 start is in the hands of the players to put themselves at the different levels they know they can be.

There will be plenty of time to turn things around and Knoblauch is not on the hot seat yet. The Oilers certainly won't take that step just to bring in a coach who, at best, will put the Oilers on the front page of every publication because they hired another questionable prospect.