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The Top 5 Oilers Coaches in Team History

By Devon Hladunewich |
Jun 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the third period against the Colorado Avalanche of game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Edmonton Oilers have had their fair share of coaches throughout their storied history in the NHL. From the dynasty years of the 1980s to the leaner years of the 2000s, the Oilers have had some great coaches who have helped guide the team to success. In this article, we will be ranking the top 5 Oilers coaches in team history.

Craig MacTavish

Craig MacTavish was the head coach of the Oilers from 2000-2009. He led the team to the playoffs four times during his tenure and was instrumental in developing young talents such as Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff. MacTavish was known for his tough, no-nonsense style of coaching and was well-respected by his players.

 Glen Sather

Glen Sather is a legend in Edmonton Oilers history. He was the head coach of the team from 1977-1980 and then served as the team’s general manager from 1980-2000. As a coach, Sather led the Oilers to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1979 and helped lay the foundation for the dynasty years that were to come. As a general manager, Sather was instrumental in building the team that won five Stanley Cups in seven years.

Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn was the head coach of the Oilers from 2009-2010. Quinn was a respected coach in the NHL and had a long and successful career that included stints with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Quinn was known for his ability to motivate his players and get the most out of them.

Tom Renney

Tom Renney was the head coach of the Oilers from 2010-2012 and helped guide the team through some tough years. Renney was known for his ability to develop young players and was instrumental in the development of current Oilers stars such as Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle. Renney was also a respected coach in the NHL and had previous stints with the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.

Jay Woodcroft

There are many reasons why Jay Woodcroft may be considered the best coach in Edmonton Oilers history. For starters, he has a deep understanding of the game and is able to communicate his strategies effectively to his players. Additionally, he has a great rapport with his team and is able to motivate them to perform at their best. But perhaps most importantly, he is known for his ability to adapt his coaching style to the individual needs of each player, which has led to incredible success on the ice. Overall, Jay Woodcroft is a true leader and an inspiration to all those who aspire to greatness in the world of hockey.

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In conclusion, the Edmonton Oilers have had some great coaches throughout their history. From Craig MacTavish to Jay Woodcroft, these coaches have all left their mark on the team and helped guide them to success. While it’s hard to rank these coaches, we believe that the five coaches listed above are the top Oilers coaches in team history.

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