NHL analyst publicly calls out Kris Knoblauch: 'Failed at his most important job'
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Daniel Lucente
Jan 15, 2026 (9:51)
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
NHL analyst David Staples publicly called out Kris Knoblauch in an article he wrote for the Edmonton Journal, saying the coach failed at his most important job.
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has earned steady praise for his lineup decisions this season, but his handling of the fourth line drew sharp criticism following Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Nashville Predators.
NHL analyst David Staples pointed to Knoblauch's decision to scratch Curtis Lazar in favor of rookie forward Ike Howard as a costly mistake.
"Knoblauch failed at his most important job in Nashville loss."
- David Staples
- David Staples
Knoblauch has spent much of the season searching for reliable chemistry, frequently shuffling lines early on. Over the past seven weeks, that process finally produced results.
Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins formed a dominant top line, while Leon Draisaitl, Vasily Podkolzin, and Kasperi Kapanen emerged as a heavy, effective second unit.
Edmonton finally found an effective energy line
Just as importantly, the Oilers appeared to find their long-sought energy line. Curtis Lazar, Mattias Janmark, and Trent Frederic gave Edmonton a physical, disciplined fourth line that tilted the ice.
In Monday's 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, that trio controlled play, generated multiple Grade A chances, and allowed almost nothing defensively.
Frederic, who had struggled earlier in the season, delivered one of his most effective games.
Why Kris Knoblauch disrupted the progress of one of Edmonton's most effective lines
That progress vanished against Nashville. By inserting Howard, a skill-oriented scoring forward, into a checking role, Knoblauch disrupted a line that had finally found traction.
Frederic finished without a positive impact and was on the ice for several quality chances against, including a breakdown on Nashville's third goal.
Howard struggled defensively and was involved in a costly turnover, while Janmark took an ill-timed penalty in the third period.
Staples' criticism was not about Howard's potential. The issue was usage. Howard deserves opportunities where his offensive strengths can surface.
Lazar, Frederic, and Janmark had already shown they could succeed together, and breaking up that chemistry proved costly.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15 | 125 ANSWERS NHL analyst publicly calls out Kris Knoblauch: 'Failed at his most important job' Has Kris Knoblauch failed? | ||
| Yes | 73 | 58.4 % |
| No | 52 | 41.6 % |
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