The Edmonton Oilers, especially Kris Knoblauch, are in the hotseat right now.
The Oilers limped into the 2026 Olympic break. They owned a 5-5-0 record in their last 10 games. However, losses to the Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames paint a picture no one wants to see right now.
And yes, they could make a trade. They were linked to Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. However, it’s easier for an organization to replace a head coach than to orchestrate a meaningful, strategic trade rather than a desperate one.
In light of this recent skid, one analyst has urged the Oilers to change their head coach. Considering recent statements from superstar Leon Draisaitl and comments from an Oilers insider, a change could be a matter of “when” rather than “if.”
Edmonton Oilers Urged to Replace Kris Knoblauch With…Misha Donskov?
If the Oilers are going to make a bold move, replacing Knoblauch with a new hire would rank high on the list. Pete DeBoer and Misha Donskov are two potential suitors. However, Jesse Courville-Lynch of The Hockey Writers has urged the organization to hand the keys over to Donskov.
“If, and inevitably when, the Oilers decide to make a coaching change, former Dallas Stars assistant coach Misha Donskov could be a perfect replacement,” the scribe wrote on February 6th, 2026. “He is going to serve as an assistant for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics and has been praised for his attention to detail in the past. It could be tough to implement new systems this late in the season.”
“Which is why I wouldn’t expect a major change like this until the offseason, but Donskov makes a lot of sense to hire.”
Donskov has six years of NHL coaching experience as an assistant. He spent four years with the Vegas Golden Knights before filling the same role with the Dallas Stars. Aside from the 2022-23 season, he has worked alongside DeBoer his entire NHL coaching career.
Call For New Coach Following Superstar’s Comments
At least one Oilers forward has not been impressed with the team’s recent performances. Draisaitl shared some harsh comments following their most recent loss to the Flames.
“This league is too hard to just lollygag through games and try to get winning streaks going,” Draisaitl said following their disappointing 4-3 loss. “You need everybody. It starts with coaches. Everybody. You’re never going to win if you have four or five guys going and it starts at the top. We can be better. Our leaders can be better.”
“We’ll take the break and regroup.”
Some believe Draisaitl is putting the fire to the flame of the coaching staff with this comment. However, it feels more like a wake-up call for the entire team, coaching staff, and players alike.
Knoblauch has 122 wins in 209 games as head coach of the Oilers. He has been with the team for two Stanley Cup Final appearances, dropping both series to the pesky Florida Panthers.
Bob Stauffer Responds to Leon Draisaitl’s Comments
In a recent installment of Oilers Now, team insider Bob Stauffer dropped a cryptic message in addition to directly responding to Draisaitl’s comments.
“Do I have a problem about what Leon Draisaitl said. No, I liked what Leon Draisaitl said, and he wasn’t mealy-mouthed in his approach,” Stauffer said. “He’s frustrated because he cares, because he’s damn good, and he’s sitting there taking the crap after the Oilers lose a third straight game. I got no problems with what he said. Good. Because sometimes when players of his ilk make those comments, it provides clarity for everybody else out there.”
“What I’m saying is that opportunity knocks. Seize the day. I think you know what I mean.”
So will the Oilers “seize the day” by scooping up Donskov, or DeBoer, or bringing another coach no one has yet named? Considering the Oilers’ next game is on February 25th against the Anaheim Ducks, fans will have to wait to find out.
Oilers Predicted to Make Coaching Change With Surprise Candidate