Names of the three (3) Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch replacements as sack pressure intensify

The Edmonton Oilers dropped to 10-10-5 after being demolished 8–3 by the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, a result that has only intensified scrutiny on the struggling team. This Oilers squad looks nothing like the one that reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now hovering just two points outside a West wildcard spot, management may soon have to consider whether firing head coach Kris Knoblauch is necessary to save the season.

Whether Knoblauch has truly “lost the room” is still unknown, but the Oilers’ on-ice performance — especially the lack of urgency from their top-six forwards — is raising serious concerns.

With that reality in mind, here are three coaching candidates Edmonton could target if they choose to make an in-season change.

3. Peter Laviolette

If the Oilers want a veteran bench boss with instant credibility, Peter Laviolette stands out as the top available option. With nearly 1,600 NHL games behind an NHL bench, his résumé speaks for itself.

Laviolette most recently coached the New York Rangers, leading them to the 2023-24 Presidents’ Trophy before a disastrous following season cost him his job. Critics may argue that this would be another case of recycling a familiar NHL name, but Edmonton wouldn’t have many realistic in-season options — and Laviolette offers proven stability.

2. David Carle

One of the fastest-rising names in hockey coaching circles, David Carle currently leads the University of Denver. He was heavily linked to NHL vacancies last summer and has built an impressive record in the NCAA ranks.

Carle won a 2024 national championship, guided Denver to two Frozen Four appearances, and helped the program secure its record-setting 10th NCAA title. He’s also taken the Pioneers to five straight NCAA tournaments.

Landing him mid-season wouldn’t be easy — or guaranteed — but if Edmonton wants a fresh voice and long-term upside, Carle could be the spark they’re looking for. He would, however, make more sense as an offseason hire.

1. Paul MacFarland

Several external candidates could be intriguing fits, including Abbotsford Canucks coach Manny Malhotra, who nearly took over in Vancouver before the role went to Adam Foote. But prying Malhotra away mid-season seems nearly impossible.

That leaves one realistic internal option: assistant coach Paul MacFarland.

MacFarland is the most seasoned assistant on Edmonton’s staff, having held notable roles with the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Promoting him would mirror the Oilers’ own history — much like Knoblauch’s rise — and would provide continuity at a time when players may need stability.

Still, elevating an assistant to lead a team with Stanley Cup expectations could draw criticism, and the fan base might be skeptical. But with limited options for an in-season shake-up, MacFarland might be Edmonton’s most viable — or least risky — solution right now