Chris Johnston

He was hired by New Jersey a week later and got a raise on that contract extension.

So, I mean, I don't know how this is all going to shake out and how Knobloch views his own future because obviously when you do have that extension in place, you have the right to not work as well.

But I suppose that the writing was sort of on the wall in the sense that

You know, the loss that they had to Anaheim was one that was going to require some changes.

And, you know, obviously, as we see all over the league, changing your coach is a pretty easy thing to do.

Of course.

And look, I don't know if they're going to get a chance ultimately to talk to Cassidy here, but if they do, I can understand the appeal.

to him for the Oilers or any other team out there that's trying to win I mean I'm pretty sure every team he's ever coached in the NHL has made the playoffs including the Bruins in the year he was fired he's been to a cup final with both Boston and Vegas and won the cup with the Golden Knights a few years ago you know he's an unbelievable tactical coach he was you know on Canada's bench at the Olympics in Milan and well I do think you know like a lot of coaches in the business

At times, his message wears a little thin after a certain point in time.

When you're trying to win urgently or quickly, he's the exact type of guy I think teams will look to hire.

And I do expect one way or another, he will be coaching in the NHL next season.

So, you know, if I could understand, I guess, where the inclination would come for Edmonton to if you're looking for an upgrade, if you're looking for a change to go in his direction.

And, you know, we'll just have to see how that all shakes out with the Golden Knights, you know, having to grab permission.

Well, I would say it's not really a big surprise.

I mean, in the Leafs' case, the worst case has happened.

They dropped 30 points year over year from two seasons ago to this season.

And it's hard to really point to anything that was a positive on the coaching side of the ledger.

I know a lot of things go into a team failing to meet expectations, but ultimately a coach is going to be held accountable.

And when you are entering a period now where they're clearing out the front office and obviously made big changes there,

They have plans this summer of refreshing the roster, including getting a number one overall pick in the door.