Connor McDavid denies that familiarity with Kris Knoblauch was reason Oilers hired coach
From left to right, Edmonton Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson, president of hockey operations and general manager Ken Holland, interim head coach Kris Knoblauch and new assistant coach Paul Coffey attend an NHL news conference in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday. Credit: AP/Jason Franson
EDMONTON, Alberta — Connor McDavid played for Kris Knoblauch during his junior hockey career. But the Oilers superstar insisted that’s not why the Rangers’ former AHL bench boss in Hartford now has his first full-time NHL head coaching job in Edmonton.
“I woke up to a text,” McDavid said before the Oilers beat the Islanders, 4-1, on Monday night at Rogers Place in Knoblauch’s debut. “I know the narrative out there. But it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Knoblauch, 45, spent four-plus seasons with the Rangers’ affiliate before being hired to replace Jay Woodcroft on Sunday.
Knoblauch choked up when asked to name those who helped him achieve his dream of becoming an NHL head coach.
“First, it’s my wife,” Knoblauch said. “Sorry, it was just a little emotional leaving them to get here.”
Knoblauch did win four of six games filling in for former Rangers coach David Quinn when he and his staff were all placed in COVID-19 protocol in March 2021. Knoblauch was reportedly a candidate to replace Gerard Gallant before the Rangers hired Peter Laviolette.
Said Knoblauch, “When you are the head coach and it’s your position and your decisions are being questioned and evaluated, there’s a lot more pressure.”
Isles files
Defenseman Adam Pelech logged 20:34 after missing three of the previous four games with a lower-body injury ... Left wing Julien Gauthier did not take a shot in 8:51 as he played his second game of the season and first since Oct. 21. He replaced healthy scratch Matt Martin on the fourth line .... Defenseman Scott Mayfield needed stitches above his right eye after being checked into the end wall in the second period ... Center Brock Nelson tied a career high with 10 shots ... The MSG Networks broadcasting crew is not traveling for this four-game road trip and will call the action from a studio.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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