With his lucrative new contract secured and family recently settled in Edmonton, the former Oilers bench boss appears content to sit out the current coaching carousel.
Kris Knoblauch is no longer the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. He's still being paid by the team, with his new contract set to kick in on July 1, but the Oilers are looking for a new voice behind the bench. That leaves Knoblauch open to finding other employment.
Don't expect him to rush to do so.
Trending Stories:
With a new three-year deal not even started, what Knoblauch has is time. There is no rush at all for him to find a new gig, which means the opportunity in Vancouver which just opened up might not be on his radar.
TSN's Ryan Rishaug noted in a recent social media post:
"Lots of activity on the coaching front right now, and another opening in Vancouver as of today. Kris Knoblauch would likely be a candidate for any of the current openings but my sense is he will not step back behind an NHL bench right away or engage in the application process for some time."
Rishaug adds, "With family recently relocating to Edmonton and some breathing room with his three-year contract, I'd expect him to be out of the mix for the time being after a long couple of seasons."
Currently, the Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings are looking. Even though two of those teams are division rivals of the Oilers, it is not believed Edmonton would withhold permission to interview. The Oilers would be looking to get out from under that fresh new contract as soon as possible. Knoblauch's taking another job relieves them of the responsibility to pay him.
Meanwhile, the Oilers continue to interview other candidates and are waiting permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy about their opening.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.