NHL Rumors: Oilers Next Coach, Canucks Hire GM, Knies Worth More than Matthews? – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers have officially relieved Kris Knoblauch of his coaching duties, and GM Stan Bowman will meet with the media to talk about the next steps, including the search for a new coach. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks have hired Ryan Johnson and the Sedins to run things moving forward. What are their respective roles? Finally, is Matthew Knies worth more than Auston Matthews in a trade?

Oilers Fire Kris Knoblauch and Mark Stuart

The Edmonton Oilers officially relieved head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant coach Mark Stuart of their duties on Thursday morning. In a statement, GM Stan Bowman cited the need for change following a disappointing first-round playoff exit in the 2025-26 season.

The timing has drawn sharp criticism. Reports revealed the Oilers had already reached out to the Vegas Golden Knights about Bruce Cassidy while Knoblauch was still under contract. Insiders like Jason Gregor and TSN’s Ryan Rishaug called the handling “horrendous” and “not how you conduct business,” noting that once the story leaked, Knoblauch’s position became untenable.

Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports, “The Oilers don’t have a coaching replacement already lined up. They plan a formal search to interview various candidates.” Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now adds, “My belief is that the @EdmontonOilers will target an Experienced Head Coach with Gravitas who has had a history of having structure and process in his team’s game…and has won before!”

Knoblauch guided the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals but faced growing frustration over defensive regression and player deployment. Both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had publicly questioned the team’s direction, making changes almost inevitable.

Canucks Name Ryan Johnson as New GM

The Vancouver Canucks are set to announce Ryan Johnson as the 13th general manager in franchise history today. Several sources have claimed the organization is set to formally announce the hires at a press conference scheduled for 1:00 PM on Thursday.

Johnson, who has climbed the ranks as an assistant, lacks NHL GM experience but is viewed as a hard worker with strong character. Jim Rutherford is expected to shift into an advisory role, while Henrik and Daniel Sedin will reportedly take on elevated positions in the front office — likely as co-presidents.

The Canucks are entering a critical rebuild phase and are hoping the combination of Johnson and the Sedin twins can bring stability and fresh direction.

What’s Next for the Minnesota Wild?

Following their second-round elimination by the Colorado Avalanche, the Minnesota Wild are staring down a busy offseason. GM Bill Guerin has eight unrestricted free agents, including Mats Zuccarello, Vladimir Tarasenko, Nick Foligno, Marcus Johansson, Michael McCarron, Zach Bogosian, and Jeff Petry.

With roughly $13.5 million in projected cap space and 17 players under contract, the Wild have limited flexibility. ESPN predicts that Zuccarello is expected to return, while Johansson, Tarasenko, and McCarron could be re-signed on short-term deals. However, the team desperately needs top-six forward help — particularly a center — to remain competitive.

Guerin was previously linked to centers like Vincent Trocheck before the trade deadline, but adding high-end talent while retaining key veterans will require careful balancing.

Maple Leafs Weighing Matthew Knies Trade?

Matthew Knies continues to generate trade speculation in Toronto. TSN’s Chris Johnston discussed the 24-year-old power forward’s value on “Overdrive,” noting that one NHL team was reportedly willing to give up more for Knies than for Auston Matthews because of his five years of team control at a prime age.

Knies’ name surfaced before the March deadline as former GM Brad Treliving listened to offers, partly because he lacks no-trade protection. One club allegedly offered six pieces (mostly picks and prospects), but it fell short of Toronto’s asking price.

New GM John Chayka is said to think highly of Knies and may be reluctant to move him. However, with the Leafs holding the first-overall pick and needing defensive help, Johnston hasn’t ruled out Knies being part of a larger deal this summer.