Former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft, who is currently an assistant coach in Switzerland’s National League, is said to have sent current Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch a sincere and helpful message in a development that has both evoked nostalgia and insight in the hockey community.
The message, which was given in private but was later mentioned by both coaches in interviews, included professional guidance, personal thoughts, and a strong message of support as the Oilers embark on a crucial stage in their Stanley Cup quest, according to sources close to both coaching circles.
Woodcroft’s outreach is considered as more than just a mere correspondence between two instructors. It’s a time of emotional closure and professional respect from an Atlantic man.
Jay Woodcroft was appointed as the Oilers’ head coach in February 2022, following the dismissal of Dave Tippett. During his short but eventful tenure, he transformed the team’s dynamic, leading the Oilers to the Western Conference Finals in 2022—a run that re-energized fans and reaffirmed belief in the team’s championship potential. With superstars at their prime, Woodcroft’s emphasis on detail-oriented hockey and player empowerment gave Edmonton one of the league’s most dangerous offensive arsenals.
However, a sluggish start to the 2023–24 season and inconsistent defensive performances led to his dismissal in November 2023. The move was seen as controversial by many fans, especially considering the prior postseason success. previously with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack and a former junior coach of McDavid, was tapped as his replacement.
A Transcontinental Perspective: Woodcroft’s Swiss Chapter
After his departure from the NHL, Woodcroft took time to recalibrate before accepting a post as assistant coach for one of Switzerland’s finest hockey clubs in the National League. Although the switch from the NHL to European hockey was a significant one, sources claim Woodcroft has welcomed the change and gained a more comprehensive understanding of coaching methods, team administration, and the international language of hockey.
Woodcroft was asked if he still watched the Oilers in a recent interview with Swiss media. His answer? “Daily.”
Reports surfaced shortly after that he had written to Kris Knoblauch, describing the letter as
“genuine, classy, and filled with hockey soul.”
While the full content of Woodcroft’s message remains private, several team sources and NHL insiders have shared the key themes and sentiments conveyed:
Woodcroft began by recognizing Knoblauch’s success in stabilizing the Oilers since taking over mid-season. Under Knoblauch, the Oilers rallied back into playoff contention and surged with newfound consistency, particularly on defense—an area where Woodcroft himself faced frequent scrutiny.
“He’s doing a great job,” Woodcroft wrote, according to one source. “Kris knows what it means to coach in Edmonton. It’s not just a job—it’s a responsibility to a city that breathes hockey.”
The message reportedly went on to praise Knoblauch’s calm demeanor, strategic adjustments, and ability to reconnect key players with their strengths.
2. The Weight—and the Gift—of Coaching in Edmonton
Perhaps the most emotionally resonant part of Woodcroft’s message came as he reflected on what it meant to stand behind the bench in the City of Champions.
“There’s nothing like coaching in Edmonton,” he wrote. “The weight of expectations, the history, the dreams—it’s heavy, but it’s beautiful. There’s no other place where hockey matters this deeply.”
Woodcroft recounted moments such as walking into Rogers Place on playoff nights, seeing thousands in orange and blue, and feeling the generational passion of a city hungry for its first Stanley Cup since 1990.
He urged Knoblauch to “soak it all in” and “never take the heartbeat of Edmonton for granted.”
3. Advice on Playoff Pressure and Player Psychology
Woodcroft also offered tactical advice regarding managing elite players during high-pressure moments, referencing his experience coaching McDavid and Draisaitl through deep playoff battles.
He encouraged Knoblauch to allow players space to lead while being the steady voice in chaotic situations.
“In the playoffs,” he reportedly wrote, “players don’t need more fire—they need calm. Trust in their talent, but lead with stability. You’re not just a coach—you’re their anchor.”
He also noted the mental fatigue of long playoff runs and suggested ways to keep morale high through small, personal interactions off the ice—something he believed was underappreciated during his own tenure.
The letter closed on a personal note. Woodcroft, whose departure from Edmonton was bittersweet, made clear that he harbors no ill will toward the organization or its decision-makers.
“I still bleed Oilers blue,” he wrote. “And if this group wins the Cup, know that I’ll be cheering from Switzerland—with a big smile and maybe a tear or two.”
He thanked the players, staff, and fans for the memories and admitted that coaching in Edmonton had changed his life.
When asked about Woodcroft’s message during a recent media availability, Kris Knoblauch confirmed receiving it and spoke warmly about the gesture.
“Jay didn’t have to do that,” Knoblauch said. “But it tells you everything you need to know about him. He’s a class act and a great hockey mind. I’ve learned a lot from watching how he handled this team, and I’m honored to carry on what he helped build.”
Knoblauch went on to say that messages like Woodcroft’s remind him of the broader coaching fraternity and the mutual respect that exists—even between predecessors and successors.
“We’re all just stewards of the sweater,” he said. “What matters is doing right by the players, the fans, and the city.”
The story has stirred strong emotions in Oilers Nation. Many fans took to social media to express appreciation for Woodcroft’s letter and the maturity it represented.
Oilers blogs and sports radio have also picked up the story, calling it “a rare display of grace and legacy in pro sports,” and applauding both coaches for handling the transition with professionalism and heart.
As the Oilers continue their postseason journey with Kris Knoblauch at the helm, the ripple of Jay Woodcroft’s message continues to resonate. It’s a moment that transcends the scoreboard—a reminder that hockey is more than a game. It’s about people, leadership, and the deep emotional bonds formed in pursuit of greatness.
And in Edmonton, a city that lives and breathes every shift and every goal, those bonds run deeper than ever.
