Skinner was demoted, but McDavid and the new Oiler finally got on the ice.

The Edmonton Oilers are a storied franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL), boasting a rich history with some of the most legendary players to ever grace the ice. However, despite having arguably the best player in the world in Connor McDavid, the Oilers have often found themselves underperforming in recent years. The team, stacked with talent, had been struggling to put it all together, especially in the 2024-2025 season. Fans were growing frustrated with what appeared to be a consistent failure to meet expectations, despite having an elite roster.

The Oilers’ season took a major turn after the demotion of head coach Jay Woodcroft, a decision that many fans and analysts were both surprised and divided over. Woodcroft, a former assistant coach under Ken Hitchcock, was promoted to the top job in 2022 and helped guide the team to the playoffs in both of his first two seasons behind the bench. However, despite the team’s talent, there was a palpable sense that they were not living up to their potential under his guidance. Inconsistent defensive play, lapses in structure, and a lack of discipline were becoming issues that the coaching staff had been unable to solve.

The Oilers had a strong offense, but their defense was leaking goals, and goaltending had been an ongoing issue. This imbalance in team play left them hovering around the playoff bubble, unable to build any sustained momentum. By midseason, it was clear the team needed something to spark a change—something to bring them back to their winning ways. The decision was made to demote Woodcroft and bring in Chris Knobloch, a move that shook things up in the locker room and throughout the organization.

Chris Knobloch, who had spent the previous years as the head coach of the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, was a logical choice for the job, although his promotion caught many by surprise. Knobloch’s coaching philosophy was rooted in a commitment to defensive responsibility, structure, and hard work. While he wasn’t necessarily as well-known or flashy as some of the other potential candidates for the role, he had been successful at developing young players and maintaining a consistent level of competitiveness in Bakersfield. His defensive mindset was just what the Oilers needed to balance out their high-powered offense.

His arrival was met with mixed reactions, as the team was eager to turn things around but unsure if the change would bring immediate results. For McDavid and the other key players on the team, however, this was a chance to turn the page on what had been a frustrating start to the season. It was clear that the team’s defensive play had been a significant weakness under Woodcroft, and it was now up to Knobloch to instill a new level of accountability and structure.

The transition from Woodcroft to Knobloch was immediate and evident in the team’s first few games under the new head coach. One of the first changes Knobloch implemented was a more structured defensive zone coverage and a greater emphasis on limiting high-danger chances. The Oilers had often been caught on odd-man rushes, with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge offensively while the defense was left scrambling to recover. Knobloch focused on tightening up their neutral zone play, ensuring that the team’s speed was used effectively and that they weren’t exposing themselves on the back end.

On the offensive side, McDavid’s game began to evolve under Knobloch’s system. While McDavid was always a dynamic offensive force, Knobloch encouraged him to become more of a playmaker, distributing the puck more often and looking for teammates in better scoring positions. This was a slight shift from McDavid’s usual explosive style, but it was a move that allowed for greater team chemistry and opened up more opportunities for his line mates. With Leon Draisaitl continuing his role as one of the top power forwards in the league and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins providing strong two-way play, McDavid’s evolution into a more balanced playmaker was beginning to pay dividends.

Along with McDavid, one of the key factors that would make or break the Oilers’ turnaround was their new acquisition. In the offseason, the Oilers made a bold trade to bring in a player who could add both skill and grit to their lineup. That player, a veteran forward with an impressive two-way game and the ability to contribute on both special teams, was seen as the perfect complement to McDavid’s speed and Draisaitl’s strength. This new addition quickly became an integral part of the lineup, filling the gaps that had been missing in the team’s forward lines.

The chemistry between McDavid and this new player was immediate. The pair quickly began to develop a deep understanding on the ice, with McDavid’s ability to drive the play forward being complemented by the new addition’s ability to cycle the puck and win battles along the boards. Their work in the offensive zone was a constant headache for opposing defenses. The duo showed off a variety of passing plays, including quick give-and-go sequences, and the new addition’s ability to find soft spots in the opposing defense allowed McDavid to pick him out with ease.

While the partnership between McDavid and the newcomer was quickly blossoming, the key to the Oilers’ success under Knobloch’s system was the depth of the team. It wasn’t just McDavid and Draisaitl anymore. With the new acquisition contributing significantly on the second line, players like Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Mattias Janmark were stepping up in more prominent roles. The Oilers had become a balanced offensive force, and as a result, the pressure on McDavid and Draisaitl was alleviated.

In addition to the offensive improvements, the Oilers’ defense began to stabilize under Knobloch’s direction. Veteran defensemen like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci had been solid for the Oilers but had often been inconsistent in their own zone. Knobloch’s emphasis on defensive responsibility, positioning, and better puck management was starting to pay off. The defensemen became more aware of their gaps and responsibilities, and the team’s overall defensive structure was more organized. Players were communicating better, and even the forwards were more engaged in their defensive zones, blocking shots, and limiting rebounds.

Goaltending, which had been one of the major concerns for the Oilers in previous seasons, also began to improve. Stuart Skinner, who had been the starter for the team, had shown flashes of brilliance but was often inconsistent. Knobloch worked closely with Skinner and veteran backup Jack Campbell to refine their technique and ensure they were more poised in the crease. The result was a noticeable reduction in soft goals and a more confident tandem in net.

As the Oilers started to find their rhythm, the wins began to stack up. McDavid’s playmaking ability, combined with the new acquisition’s offensive prowess, revitalized the team’s power play. The Oilers’ special teams were previously an area of concern, but with more balanced offensive plays and stronger puck control, they quickly became a lethal force once again. The penalty kill, bolstered by the defensive-minded play of players like Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins, also started to improve, and the Oilers became a more complete team overall.

By the midpoint of the season, the Oilers had gone from hovering just outside the playoff picture to climbing into a strong position in the standings. The chemistry between McDavid and his new linemate was a significant factor, but the team’s overall depth, improved defense, and stronger special teams had transformed them into one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. The turnaround under Knobloch’s leadership was nothing short of remarkable, and the Oilers’ fans, who had been frustrated with their team’s inconsistency, were now filled with renewed optimism.

As the trade deadline approached, the Oilers were in the hunt for a playoff spot, and they made one final move to further solidify their roster. General manager Ken Holland acquired another depth piece, this time a defensive defenseman with experience in shutting down top opponents. With the team now equipped with strong defensive play, an explosive offense led by McDavid, and a goaltending tandem that was steadily improving, the Oilers were ready to make a deep playoff push.

The second half of the season was a thrilling ride for Edmonton fans. McDavid’s incredible playmaking and leadership, coupled with the contributions from every line, transformed the Oilers into one of the most feared teams in the league. The new acquisition was instrumental, providing a secondary scoring option and contributing to a more balanced attack. The team’s defense, once a major concern, had become one of their strongest assets, and even the goaltending was holding up under pressure.

As the Oilers approached the playoffs, there was an air of confidence surrounding the team. For the first time in years, it felt like they were playing up to their potential, and the belief was growing that they could make a serious run at the Stanley Cup. The demotion of Woodcroft, which had initially seemed like a risky decision, had paid off. Chris Knobloch’s structured system, combined with the team’s offensive firepower and new additions, had sparked the turnaround Edmonton fans had long hoped for.

With McDavid leading the way and a team that was finally firing on all cylinders, the Oilers had become a legitimate contender. The 2024-2025 season had been a rollercoaster, but as the postseason loomed, the Oilers were ready for the challenge. Their revamped style of play, characterized by a more balanced and responsible approach, made them a formidable opponent for any team. Edmonton was no longer a team with potential—it was a team that was fulfilling that potential, and their sights were set on the ultimate prize.