Kris Knoblauch
Kris Knoblauch is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player who has served as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers since November 2023.
Kris Knoblauch is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player who has served as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers since November 2023. He previously coached in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack and in the OHL with the Erie Otters, and has also worked as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Early life and playing career
Knoblauch was born in Imperial, Saskatchewan, and played junior hockey in the Western Hockey League. He later played professionally in the Central Hockey League and in France, and also played university hockey for the University of Alberta, winning a national championship.
Coaching career
After moving into coaching, Knoblauch worked in Canadian junior hockey, including a long stint with Erie in the OHL. He later became an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers and head coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Edmonton Oilers head coach
Knoblauch joined the Oilers in November 2023 and led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in both of his first two seasons. Edmonton later signed him to a new three-year contract beginning in the 2026-27 season.
Coaching record and recognition
Available records show a strong winning percentage in the AHL and NHL, including playoff success with Edmonton. His coaching is often described as structured and teaching-oriented in media profiles.
Key facts
- Knoblauch was named the 18th head coach in Edmonton Oilers history on November 13, 2023.
- He previously coached the Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers, from 2019 to 2023.
- Before Hartford, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers and five seasons coaching Erie in the OHL.
- He coached the Oilers to Stanley Cup Final appearances in 2024 and 2025.
- As a player, he skated in the WHL with Red Deer, Edmonton/Kootenay, and Lethbridge, and later played professionally in the CHL and France.
Knoblauch is Canadian-born and developed through Canadian junior, university, and professional hockey systems. He is also notable in Canada for coaching Connor McDavid at Erie and later leading the Edmonton Oilers. [6][13]
Frequently asked questions
Who is Kris Knoblauch?
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Has Kris Knoblauch reached the Stanley Cup Final?
References
- NHL.com / Edmonton Oilers — https://www.nhl.com/oilers/team/kris-knoblauchSupports: Appointment as Oilers head coach; Hartford Wolf Pack tenure; WHL playing background
- NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/kris-knoblauch-signs-3-year-deal-to-remain-edmonton-coachSupports: Contract extension, Oilers record, Flyers and Hartford background, Erie tenure
- Sportsnet — https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/meet-kris-knoblauch-teacher-by-nature-and-the-18th-coach-in-oilers-history/Supports: University of Alberta playing career and national championship; coaching background
- Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/2447/kris-knoblauchSupports: Date and place of birth; nationality
- Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/knoblkr01c.htmlSupports: Coaching record
- Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.orgSupports: Supplementary playing-career details and coaching chronology