SJHN Daily: Ex-Sharks Assistant Woodcroft Now Coaching Oilers, Kane

Thursday morning, the Edmonton Oilers announced Jay Woodcroft as the 17th head coach of the franchise.

The #Oilers have relieved Dave Tippett & Jim Playfair of their coaching duties.

Jay Woodcroft will assume head coaching duties with Dave Manson also joining in an assistant coach role. pic.twitter.com/gq55TNsomc

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) February 10, 2022

With the Oilers currently sitting outside of the playoffs, Woodcroft faces an uphill battle. While goaltending is a significant area of concern within the organization, the greater challenge might be getting consistent scoring from the team’s forward group. Consistency will be the name of the game for Woodcroft and the Oilers, with the scrutiny of Edmonton media upon them now more than ever.

Jay Woodcroft joined the Oilers organization in 2015, following seven seasons serving as an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks (2008-15), under Todd McLellan. During his time with the Sharks, Woodcroft and the team made back-to-back Western Conference Finals (2010 and 2011).

For the last four seasons, he’s been the head coach of the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, after three years as Oilers assistant coach under McLellan

Following Woodcroft being named head coach of the Condors, former San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski had only positive things to say about his former coach in a 2018 interview with The Athletic: “He’s always someone you liked to talk to. He always has something for you, trying to help you improve. That’s all you can ask for – someone you trust and someone you believe is on your side and is trying to help you out.”

In his first season helming the Condors, Woodcroft saw his team finish the regular season atop the Pacific Division.

Under Woodcroft, the Condors have a 105-71-21 record, and the team also claimed the Pacific Division championship during the shortened 2020-21 season. The Condors currently sit third in the division in points percentage (18-9-4-3); however, they have the fewest games played.

This is Woodcroft’s first crack at a head coaching position in the NHL.

The Edmonton Oilers (and recently-signed Evander Kane) will visit SAP Center to take on the San Jose Sharks this Monday night.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

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IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The Sharks still without a timeline for Doug Wilson’s return. (East Bay Times)

Celebrating Black History Month with the San Jose Sharks. (NHL)

Five questions facing the Sharks in the second half of the season. (East Bay Times)

San Jose native laces up skates at Beijing Olympics. (Mercury News)

A look at the San Jose Sharks’ history with black players. (The Hockey Writers)

AROUND THE NHL…

Six potential major trades that could happen before the NHL trade deadline. (Bleacher Report)

Team USA men’s hockey opens their Olympics with 8-0 win over China. (ESPN)

BREAKING: AZ Board of Regents has approved capital development plan for ASU's multi-purpose arena that includes Coyotes' added team areas at NE corner.
ASU will be Coyotes' temporary home for at least 3 seasons (approved for more) as they await word on proposed Tempe arena. pic.twitter.com/WU7KyT1K8u

— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) February 10, 2022

The secret to Ovechkin’s success is a Subway sandwich? (Russian Machine Never Breaks)

Injury to Mark Stone may pave the way for Eichel’s return. (Daily Faceoff)

Brad Marchand suspended six game for actions against Pittsburgh Penguins‘ Tristan Jarry:

Marchand Sits 6 Games For “Unacceptable” Actions Toward Jarry

Boston Bruins‘ Tuukka Rask announces retirement Wednesday:

Boston Bruins Rask Announces NHL Retirement

Nathan MacKinnon looks fast at practice with the Colorado Avalanche:

Video: Nathan MacKinnon looks fast at practice

Former Florida Panthers defenseman Steven Kampfner is living his Olympic dream:

Former Florida Panthers d-man Steven Kampfer realizes Olympic dream

The New York Islanders found their scoring touch against the Canucks:

Rosner: Where Did the Offense Come From? Why It Doesn’t Matter

Vegas Golden Knights still looking for cap relief but there are possible trade solutions:

Elliotte Friedman on the Jeff Marek Show Talks Potential Golden Knights Cap Trade

Looking to spark special teams, the Philadelphia Flyers make shifts in coaching staff:

Flyers make changes in coaching duties, hoping to revive special teams

Joe Snively scores first NHL goal for the Washington Capitals, his hometown team:

MUST-SEE: Virginia Native, Little Caps Alum Snively Nets First NHL Goal

10 second half storylines to follow for the Detroit Red Wings:

Ten Detroit Red Wings Storylines to Follow in Second Half of Season

Vancouver Canucks hire second assistant GM in Cammi Granato:

Granato’s Big Step with the Canucks and in the (Her) Hockey World

Mid-season grades for the Calgary Flames forwards:

Grading the Flames forwards at the midway mark

Montreal Canadiens name Martin St. Louis interim head coach:

IT’S MARTY! Canadiens Tap Martin St. Louis as Interim Coach