Kris Knoblauch had a lot to process.
Handed the keys to an Edmonton Oilers roster stuck in neutral and full of frustration, the rookie NHL head coach must have felt like he was drinking from a fire hose some 12 months ago.
Learning new players and personalities. Tweaking old tactics and teaching fresh concepts. Navigating a dream job and all the pressures that come with the spotlight of a Canadian market.
Knoblauch had his hands full after taking over a team sitting 31st in the overall standings.
The Oilers, of course, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl — and supported by a new bench boss with a calm approach — got things pointed back in the right direction before eventually falling just short in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final.
Edmonton came into 2024-25 with sky-high expectations, but opened the season with three straight …