Former Oilers Coach Jay Woodcroft Linked To Taking New NHL Job in Eastern Conference
A new report from The Fourth Period revealed thatformer head coach Jay Woodcroft maybe a candidate to replace Derek Lalonde of the Detroit Red Wings if Steve Yzerman chooses to fire him.
Many have felt that controversial former head coach Joel Quenneville would be the leading candidate for the Red Wings and still could, but the report states that they may change their minds and look at Woodcroft instead.
Woodcroft's tenure with the Oilers came to a quick demise last November after the Oilers had gone into tailspin that appeared never to come to an end.
He along with Dave Manson were both relieved of their duties and they turned to then rookie head coach Kris Knoblauch and Oilers legendary defenseman Paul Coffey as their replacements.
His coaching experience would benefit the Red Wings as it was extensive with the Oilers and the Oilers organization. His tenure began in 2015 as an assistant head coach and then was graduated to the head coach of the Bakersfield Condors in 2018 and then the head coach in 2022 after the Oilers fired Dave Tippett.
In his last full season, he had 50 wins in the regular season for 109 points and his furthest he took the Oilers in the playoffs was to the conference final where they lost against the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
Many eyes are watching the Red Wings as many feel the team is ready for more changes which could begin with the head coach and the potential Oilers link is strong if Yzerman decides to hire Woodcroft.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 1 | 64 ANSWERS Former Oilers Coach Jay Woodcroft Linked To Taking New NHL Job in Eastern Conference Do you think Jay Woodcroft would turn the Red Wings around if hired? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 54.7 % |
| No | 29 | 45.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
