In a surprising development making waves across the hockey world, reports have emerged suggesting the Edmonton Oilers’ head coach turned down a staggering $100 million offer—a deal that would have made him the highest-paid coach in NHL history by a wide margin. While exact details remain unconfirmed, speculation points to the offer coming either from another NHL franchise or a private ownership group looking to lure the coach away from Edmonton following back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances.
The Oilers, led by superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have experienced a renaissance since the hiring of Kris Knoblauch in November 2023. Knoblauch guided the team to the Cup Final in both 2024 and 2025, solidifying his reputation as one of the NHL’s brightest coaching minds. Despite this success, he was replaced in mid-2025 by Martin St. Louis, who signed a blockbuster $75.6 million contract over five years—the richest officially confirmed deal for a head coach in league history.
The rumored $100 million offer may have come before St. Louis signed with Edmonton, possibly intended to retain Knoblauch or entice another elite coach to take the reins. Either way, the alleged rejection underscores the Oilers’ renewed commitment to long-term stability, emphasizing culture over cash.
No formal confirmation of the $100 million offer has been made public, and the Oilers organization has declined to comment on the speculation. If true, it would mark a seismic shift in the valuation of NHL coaching talent, setting a new financial precedent. For now, Edmonton’s coaching saga continues to captivate fans and insiders alike, as the franchise eyes a return to championship glory.
