Coach Knoblauch's Controversial Handling of Oilers' Veteran Players

Oilers' Strategy Under Scrutiny After Connor Brown's Performance

The Edmonton Oilers' decision to sign Connor Brown has come under criticism following a season that has fallen short of expectations.

Brown's contract, valued at $3.225M for the upcoming season—a term during which he is not expected to play for the team—has been an important point of scrutiny for many.

Lineup Adjustments Raise Questions

In a surprising twist, despite his lackluster performance, Brown has been elevated to the third line for the Oilers' game with Pittsburgh, a decision that has started debate among fans and analysts alike. This adjustment sees Corey Perry, who has made a big impact with 5 goals and 2 assists in 18 games, moved down to the fourth line, contrasting with Brown's zero goals across 54 games.

The coaching decision, highlighted by Coach Knoblauch's lineup choices, has sparked discussion.

Brown's Situation with Oilers History

Comparisons have been drawn between Brown's situation and that of former Oiler Jesse Puljujarvi, particularly focusing on the treatment of both players despite similar struggles with offensive output. The narrative surrounding Puljujarvi, once criticized and sidelined, contrasts with the relatively subdued reaction to Brown's performance woes.

Reevaluating the Oilers' Roster Decisions

The repercussions of signing Brown have been evident for the Oilers, especially considering recent additions to the team which arguably make Brown's presence in the lineup unnecessary. The relegation of Derek Ryan due to recent performances and the underutilization of Sam Gagner highlight challenges in optimizing the team's lineup.


The decisions surrounding the Oilers' lineup, particularly the promotion of Brown over more productive players like Perry, continue to fuel debate among the Oilers' fanbase and hockey fans in general, questioning the strategic direction and management of the team.

As Read on OilersDaily - Oilers coach Knoblauch makes unjustifiable decision with veteran players