The Oilers fired head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant Dave Manson on Sunday, a move superstar forward Connor McDavid admitted caught him by surprise.
The reigning Hart Trophy winner spoke to reporters on Monday, addressing the departure of Woodcroft just 13 games into the ‘23-‘24 NHL season.
“First and foremost, obviously surprised,” McDavid said, via TSN. “Didn’t see it coming. I loved playing for ‘Woody.’ I loved playing for ‘Mans.’”
McDavid told reporters that he learned of the firing of Woodcroft through a text, which he saw when he woke up Sunday morning.
The Oilers replaced Woodcroft with Kris Knoblauch, who was the head coach of the OHL’s Erie Otters during McDavid’s time in juniors. During his media address on Monday, the 26-year-old attempted to dispel any speculation that he had a role in the hiring of Knoblauch.
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“I know the narrative out there obviously, but it couldn't be farther from the truth,” said McDavid.
The Oilers are 3–9–1 this year, owners of the second-worst record in the NHL. Despite defeating the Kraken 4–1 on Saturday night, the win wasn’t enough to save Woodcroft’s job following the team’s humbling 3–2 loss against the Sharks earlier that week.
McDavid has not been his usual self this season, registering just two goals in his first 11 games. Last season, he led the NHL with 64 goals and 153 points, both of which were career highs.
He cited his own lackluster play, as well as that of his teammates, as one of the reasons for Woodcroft’s departure.
“Our play hasn't been good enough. I'm first on the list there. Our play needs to be better. It's the reason two good guys lost their job,” he said.
