Former Edmonton Oilers head coach and San Jose Sharks assistant coach Jay Woodcroft could be an option for Mike Grier to replace David Quinn.
Woodcroft spent seven seasons, 2008-2015, with the Sharks organization as an assistant coach to Todd McLellan. He followed McLellan when the Edmonton Oilers hired him.
He stayed with the Oilers for three seasons before becoming the head coach of their AHL affiliate in 2018. He would debut as an NHL head coach with the Oilers during the 2021-22 season, replacing Dave Tippett on February 10th, 2022.
Woodcroft was let go in the middle of this season. He was the unfortunate result of Edmonton’s lousy start. Before this season, Woodcroft’s record was 76-32-12.
Although the Sharks roster doesn’t have Connor McDavid, it certainly has its bright up-and-coming stars in William Eklund, Will Smith, and possibly Macklin Celebrini.
Woodcroft was well-liked by his Edmonton players, and many of them took some responsibility for his firing.
Woodcroft also fits the experience that GM Mike Grier is looking for.
“I’m not going to rule out anything or anyone,” Grier said yesterday. “If a candidate comes up and they blow us away. At the same time, I think someone who’s had some sort of time or experience in the NHL would definitely be beneficial. Or pro hockey would be really beneficial. I don’t want to rule anyone out.”
Woodcroft only has three seasons as a head coach behind the bench, but combined with his time as an assistant, he’s got 14 seasons. Then, including his three seasons as the Detroit Red Wings video coach and AHL time, Woodcroft has plenty of professional hockey experience that Grier said he wants.
Team Canada announced their coaching staff for the upcoming World Championship, and Woodcroft was named an assistant coach.
It is an entirely new regime with the Sharks since Woodcroft was last part of the San Jose organization. Grier gave himself plenty of time to search for the right coach for the San Jose Sharks, but Jay Woodcroft’s experience in the NHL and history with the Sharks should make him a top candidate.
Make sure you bookmark THN’s San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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