Insider explains main reason why Jay Woodcroft can't get hired
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The NHL has seen a fair share of NHL coaches get fired this season, but former Edmonton Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft is still struggling to land a new gig.
Earlier this season, The Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins both parted ways with their head coaches, and it was rumoured that Jay Woodcroft would be a suitable candidate to take over. Unfortunately, nothing came to fruition for Jay,
With the most recent dismissal of Derek Lalonde in Detroit, Jay Woodcroft found himself being passed on yet again, sparking an intriguing conversation in Oil Country.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Analyst Jason Gregor recently spoke on Woodcroft missing out on another coaching job, and suggested that other teams are weary of hiring him after seeing Knoblauch right the ship immediately.
Gregor also pointed towards some questionable decisions from Woodcroft in the playoffs, a lacklustre penalty kill, and a reliance on analytics that may hurt him in some NHL circles.
These are fair criticisms as to why Woodcroft's not hired yet, but it's not the full story. He had a successful record of 79-41-13 overall, but was sunk by brutal goaltending from Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner to begin the season.
Woodcroft is recognized for his gentle temperment, his calm demenour, and his soft approach to coaching.
After the Oilers got off to their horrendous 3-9-1 start to the 2023-24 season, Woodcroft was swiftly dismissed by the Oilers and brought in Kris Knoblauch in his stead.
As it stands, Woodcroft will have to wait for another opportunity to land another coaching job, but his prospects don't look promising at this time.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 29 | 469 ANSWERS Insider explains main reason why Jay Woodcroft can't get hired Do you think Jay Woodcroft is agood NHL coach? | ||
| Yes | 310 | 66.1 % |
| No | 159 | 33.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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