BREAKING NEWS: Former Edmonton oilers Head coach Jay woodcroft who is currently serving in the emerging role of on-air contributor and brand ambassador for Good Karma Brands’ ESPN Madison (WTLX), sent a stunning message to head coach Krish knoblauch concerning his…..see more

In a surprising turn of events, Jay Woodcroft — formerly the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers — has apparently issued a public message directed to his successor, Kris Knoblauch, in his new role as on‑air contributor and brand ambassador for Good Karma Brands’ ESPN Madison (WTLX). The content of the message, though not yet fully disclosed, is being described as “stunning,” and it has already generated buzz across the hockey world.

Background: A Coaching Shift

Woodcroft, 47, served as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers from February 2022 until his dismissal in November 2023 after a poor start to the season (3‑9‑1) with the team conceding almost four goals per game. He compiled a respectable regular‑season record (79‑41‑13) over his tenure but was dismissed despite two straight years of playoff appearances.
His successor, Kris Knoblauch, took over and quickly began to turn the team’s fortunes around.

Woodcroft’s New Role

Since leaving the Oilers’ bench, Woodcroft has transitioned into media and ambassador roles. He is currently serving as an on‑air contributor and brand ambassador for Good Karma Brands’ ESPN Madison (WTLX). This move signals his shift from direct coaching to commentary and brand engagement, allowing him to remain visible in the hockey world while developing his broader professional portfolio.

The “Stunning Message”

According to the initial reports, Woodcroft’s message to Knoblauch appears both reflective and pointed. While the full transcript has not been released publicly, media insiders note that Woodcroft acknowledged the “foundation” he and his staff laid in Edmonton while offering a mix of encouragement and candid observations for the team now coached by Knoblauch.

Key themes of the message include:

• A recognition that the Oilers were “90 per cent there” during Woodcroft’s final stretch with them — referencing his quote that the team had “lots of good things … on the cusp.”
• An indirect challenge to Knoblauch: Woodcroft seemed to imply that “the final 10 per cent” is what separates good teams from championship‑contenders.
• A tone of respect for Knoblauch’s new role, but also an implicit reminder that the job at Edmonton carries unforgiving expectations — that improvement must be decisive and rapid.

Why It Resonates

This message is resonating for several reasons:

1. Coach‑to‑coach insight: It is rare for a former bench boss to publicly address his successor in this way. The fact that Woodcroft chose to do so highlights both his continued investment in the organization’s fortunes and his willingness to publicly reflect on his own tenure.
2. Media and branding implications: Through his role with ESPN Madison and Good Karma Brands, Woodcroft has a visible platform. His commentary now carries dual weight: as an analyst and as a former decision‑maker. That amplifies the impact of his message.
3. Oilers’ high‑stakes culture: The Edmonton franchise, with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has little patience for mediocrity. The narrative of being “on the cusp” but not quite there is familiar to that organization.
4. Subtext of accountability: By highlighting that final incremental piece, Woodcroft’s message suggests that even with strong foundations you cannot coast — you must finish the job.

What It Could Mean for Knoblauch & the Oilers

For Knoblauch, this message comes at a critical juncture. His coaching tenure is still early, and while the turnaround has been positive, the expectations remain sky‑high. With Woodcroft’s words now publicly in the air, several consequences may follow:

• Internal motivation: Knoblauch may use Woodcroft’s message as a motivational tool — a way to galvanize players and staff toward that elusive “final 10 per cent.”
• External optics: The message underscores that fans, media, and even former coaches are watching closely. The intensity of scrutiny may increase.
• Strategic focus: Woodcroft’s emphasis on finishing may prompt Knoblauch to evaluate whether his systems, line‑management, and playoff readiness are fully optimized.
• Relationship dynamics: Depending on how the message was framed (tone, context, medium), this may influence how Knoblauch and the organization publicly respond, or choose to engage (or not) with Woodcroft moving forward.

Final Thoughts

While the full text of Jay Woodcroft’s message remains to be revealed, the optics alone carry weight. A former coach turned broadcaster and ambassador is publicly addressing his replacement — and doing so in a way that mixes respect, critique and challenge. For the Edmonton Oilers, for Knoblauch himself, and for the broader NHL coaching‑media ecosystem, it is a fascinating moment.

Questions remain: Will Woodcroft elaborates further on this message on‑air? Will Knoblauch publicly respond, or will he let his work speak? And will the “final 10 per cent” become the theme of the Oilers’ next chapter?