Former Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft has been undergoing a period of deep reflection on his final days at the helm of an NHL bench.
Woodcroft was entering his second full season as head coach of the Oilers in the 2023-24 season, taking over the reins from Dave Tippett on Feb. 10, 2022. Following consecutive playoff exits at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup champions (Colorado in 2022 and Vegas in 2023), Edmonton had high hopes and a burning desire to showcase their championship potential.
However, the Oilers stumbled out of the gate, posting a lackluster 3-9-1 record in their first 13 games, leading to Woodcroft’s dismissal and the appointment of Kris Knoblauch as his successor. Under Knoblauch’s guidance, Edmonton underwent a remarkable transformation, marching all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals before succumbing to the Florida Panthers.
Reflecting on his time with the Oilers, Woodcroft shared with TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, “As the coach at the time, I felt we were 90 percent there. I felt the team was really ready to take a step. I didn’t get to see it through, but I saw lots of good things from a lot of good people. A lot of leadership. I saw a lot of role acceptance. And I saw the team on the cusp. The team ended up going on to do some good things. That’s a credit to all those players and staff who were able to get it done.”
In the aftermath of his dismissal, Woodcroft has kept himself occupied with various endeavors, from spending quality time with his family to coaching Team Canada at the 2024 World Championships. He also had the opportunity to immerse himself in personal growth experiences, such as participating in the NHL Coaches’ Association activities in Prague during the Global Series and attending the Philadelphia Flyers training camp at the invitation of John Tortorella.
Setting his sights on future prospects, Woodcroft emphasized, “I’ve thrown myself into my personal development. So, what does that look like? For me, it starts with family. Having this time has allowed me to be fully present for my wife and kids and take full advantage of the everyday moments that, during the course of a regular NHL season and playoff run, you’re not there anymore.”
Woodcroft delved into the realm of studying human behavior and people processes, aiming to refine his coaching skills and insights. By making intentional efforts to understand and leverage individuals’ strengths, he believes he will be better equipped for his next coaching opportunity.
LeBrun revealed that Woodcroft had engaged in multiple interviews with the New Jersey Devils for their head coaching position before Sheldon Keefe was chosen, while he was the runner-up to Dean Evason for the Columbus Blue Jackets job.
Having devoted nine years to the Oilers organization, including stints with both the NHL team and their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, Woodcroft now acknowledges the areas in which he could have approached things differently with the Oilers. Nonetheless, he harbors no regrets about his tenure.
“When I look back, I look back at the whole,” Woodcroft remarked. “Not just a two-week window. And I think that’s how you get better. Are there moments that you might, with the benefit of hindsight, do something differently? Of course there are. But that’s what hindsight is. You’re able to look back at it through a different lens.”