3 Edmonton Oilers Who Should Be Excited Under Kris Knoblauch

Philip Broberg

In my opinion, Philip Broberg is one of the players who will benefit from this coaching change the most. Broberg is currently playing in the AHL on the Bakersfield Condors after getting sent down a little while ago.

I think it is only a matter of time before Knoblauch brings back Broberg to the NHL team. Broberg is an NHL player. Not to mention he is at the age where he is going to need to show if he can be a full-time NHLer. If not he would be a good trade chip.

3 Edmonton Oilers Who Should Be Worried Under Kris Knoblauch

The Edmonton Oilers fired Jay Woodcroft and replaced him with Kris Knoblauch. A new coach means a new way. Here are three players who should be worried.

Having an extra defenceman on the NHL roster would also help with Knoblauch adding some accountability. For example, if Evan Bouchard plays a few terrible games in a row then the coach can put him up in the press box and play Broberg.

There are not many options when it comes to benching players due to the cap scenario the Edmonton Oilers are in, so bringing up an extra defenceman will put extra pressure on the existing defenceman to play smart.

One thing I am also looking forward to seeing is if Knoblauch will utilize the 11 and 7 that we saw Woodcroft use from time to time. If he does use the 11-7 then you would need Broberg. With the 11-7 you could just bench players during a game instead of placing a player in the press box.

I think with the talk of holding players accountable, you are going to see Broberg back with the Edmonton Oilers. Having the ability to cut ice time is a pretty big chip that Knoblauch will have in his back pocket. Right now the Edmonton Oilers only have six defencemen on the roster, so your hands are tied because you have to play all of them.