Two seasons. Back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Only two coaches in NHL history have reached 80 wins faster. Kris Knoblauch has certainly made his mark since arriving in Edmonton as the Oilers’ Head Coach in 2023.
At a recent BMO Private Wealth event in Edmonton, Knoblauch fielded questions from Tony Brar, Lead Team Reporter and host for Oilers TV, about finding success in one of the NHL’s most unforgiving environments. “He already has 29 Stanley Cup playoff victories to his name,” Brar said. “Do you know how hard it is to do that in two seasons?”
With another championship run on his mind, Knoblauch reflected on his journey from the junior leagues and shared leadership lessons that have helped him to overcome adversity, earn his team’s trust and what it takes to get results at professional hockey’s highest level.
Always be direct
Few things are as stressful as a vague meeting request from the boss. Knoblauch understands this, so he doesn’t leave his players guessing. He shields them from anxiety by employing ‘tactical empathy,’ a strategy that alleviates tension that can build in high-pressure environments. It means letting people know what’s on the agenda and that their job is safe right from the start.
“A lot of players are nervous about where they stand with the team – especially during training camp,” he said. “Before I talk to them, I make sure they know they don’t have to worry about getting cut. That clarity builds trust.”
He also frequently checks in with his players using what he calls a “Where am I at?” meeting. These conversations focus on what a player brings to the table and what they can improve on, replacing anxiety with a clear sense of purpose. He’s found that these conversations go much farther than simply presenting information.
When it comes to feedback, Knoblauch keeps it concise, offering just a few actionable insights instead of a long list. “Less is more,” he says. “If you focus on everything, you end up focusing on nothing.”
Lean on your leaders
Change can be jarring, so when Knoblauch wants to introduce something new, he doesn’t stand in front of a whole team to break the news. Instead, he’ll pull aside the captains and trust them to pass the message along. “I’ve found much more success by sharing the information with a small group of leaders,” he says. “They’re more receptive and the transition to change becomes much more seamless.”
He also makes sure his top players understand that their attitude and work ethic set the tone for everyone. “I always communicate their importance to the success of the team,” he says. “When they don’t play their best or work their hardest, it doesn’t just affect them, it affects so many others.”
Stay open to new information
It’s natural to trust your instincts, but good leaders know when to question them. Knoblauch admits his first instinct is to be absolutely certain before correcting a player’s behaviour. But that caution can backfire. “It can be much more powerful to correct something in the moment instead of following up on it two days later. If I’m wrong, I can always go back later and admit that I was wrong.”
He’s just as wary of his preferences and, in an age of analytics, he’s learned to use concrete data to challenge his assumptions. “I have a preference for playing certain players,” he says. “But it’s invaluable to have that outside information that will tell me if my preference might not be as good as I thought. That’s really helped my decision-making.”
Keep your emotions in check
Focus on what you can control. When the outside noise ramps up, that’s what Knoblauch likes to remind his players. He always tries to take that approach behind the bench to keep his emotions in check, especially when tempers flare or calls don’t go his way, aware his team is watching.
“I don’t think anyone has ever responded positively to irrational behaviour. I also know that I make my worst decisions when I get upset,” he says. “As a leader, you have to show some emotion, but you’ve got to be really careful about how you do that. There’s a fine line.”
His players know that his door is always open, whether it’s about hockey or something more personal. If a player is struggling on the ice or life outside the rink isn’t right, he works to address it – understanding that people perform better when they feel supported. “If you take care of the person, if they feel confidence in who they are, then they are going to be a much better person and a much better player.”
What matters most to Knoblauch isn’t being in the spotlight or calling every shot. In fact, his goal is to build a group that can thrive on its own. “It’s nice to feel wanted,” he says. “But if you’re doing a really good job, your team can carry on without you.”
