Should Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch keep his job after a first-round exit to the Anaheim Ducks? Nick Zararis breaks down the full case: the numbers, the politics, and the candidates waiting in the wings to give you the most honest answer you'll hear this offseason. What's covered: Has Kris Knoblauch actually gotten worse results from the Oilers each season? The 3-year even strength decline, explained in plain numbers Why firing a coach in the NHL is more of a political decision than a hockey one — and what that means for General Manager Stan Bowman Bruce Cassidy: Is the Stanley Cup-winning coach really available, and would he actually take the Edmonton job? John Cooper: Why he might be the best coach in the NHL right now — and why that still might not matter for the Oilers Connor McDavid's contract situation in 2027 and how the coaching decision this summer could directly affect it Why Knoblauch's .624 points percentage makes him the best Oilers coach of the 21st century, and why that might not be enough to save his job The Oilers went to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025. They got bounced in Round 1 in 2026. Something has to change 05:12 Intuitive decision-making in hockey 07:55 Discussing player development in hockey 12:19 Evaluating coach influence on Oilers 15:34 Oilers' declining performance metrics 17:51 Oilers' offensive struggles 21:46 Tough decisions as an NHL GM 25:03 Connor McDavid's contract future 29:39 Discussing Knoblauch's future with Oilers 30:24 Promoting Locked On channels Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonoilers.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOOilers?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL #NHL #Oilers #EdmontonOilers