Sounds like the Oiler leadership group is firmly behind the Oilers going down this path. Babcock did meet with them to discuss things.
It’s a critical time within this organization and it would seem they feel whatever negative publicity may result from this is trumped by the level of urgency to get over the hurdle and win a cup.
Katz hasn’t hesitated to make these types of moves in the past.
If the Oilers plan all along was to let Knoblauch go, then their handling of this has been horrendous.
If they wanted to explore Cassidy as an option, and if it didn’t work out retain Kris, then it was risky - if it got out, they’d be scuttling a coach they just re-signed and were considering keeping.
The fact it got out made a return for Knoblauch impossible.
Arguably the most important off season in 30 years for this franchise gets off to a rough start.
Have to think Bowman and Jackson are very much on the clock as well. Fatigue and injuries only go so far in masking a body of work with some massive mistakes at critical junctures.
Brett Kulak with a series winner last night puts an exclamation point on mishandled assets and mis-reads on players.
Will be an interesting few months for the organization.
David Pagnotta on The Sheet Podcast this morning says the Oilers are once again looking to fix the goaltending.
He’s also hearing they could move Darnell Nurse to shake up the blue line, target a speedy top six winger, and possibly make a coaching change.
That decision could ultimately come down to ownership. (01/05)
Source: Will Anderson is signing a three-year $150 million extension that makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal includes $134 million guaranteed.
BREAKING: Colt Emerson and the Seattle Mariners are in agreement on an eight-year, $95 million contract extension, sources say. The deal includes a ninth-year club option, a full no-trade clause and escalators that can bring it north of $130 million. Emerson is represented by ACES.
The Texans projected OL going into the draft:
LT - Aireontae Ersery, Blake Fisher
LG - Wyatt Teller, Jarrett Patterson
C - Jake Andrews, Evan Brown
RG - Ed Ingram
RT - Braden Smith, Trent Brown
Houston has put themselves in a position to be aggressive if they want in the draft or sit back and throw darts with just how good their roster is.