Fans apoplectic over Oilers interviewing Craig Berube after Leafs firing

The Edmonton Oilers failed to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals for a third straight year. That was enough for the Oilers to fire Kris Knoblauch. While the Oilers have been interested in former Vegas Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy, they are also looking at other options.

Now, one of the potential candidates is coming to light, according to Ryan Rishaug of TSN Edmonton.

“Hearing a formal interview with (Craig) Berube is expected after some initial conversation between he and Bowman. Permission to speak with Bruce Cassidy had still not been granted as of Sunday night,” Rishaug posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Craig Berube was recently fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his two seasons with the Maple Leafs, he won the Atlantic Division once but lost in the second round of the playoffs. Then, the team was the worst in the division in 2025-26. He did win a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, but that is not enough to get Oilers fans excited. Fans are having the opposite reaction, being shocked by the possibility of Berube coming to Edmonton.

Bérubé is a hockey terrorist. No thanks, look what he did with the Leafs lmao

— OilersFan69420 (@Oilersfan69420) May 18, 2026

How does anyone look at Berube in Toronto and think, hey lets have him as our head coach! Jackson and Bowman are the biggest mistake in Oiler’s history.

— Master Iceman (@themastericeman) May 18, 2026

I just don't understand why Berube. There are better coaches out there.

— BOOM (@Ceefore0K) May 18, 2026

While some are upset by the performance of Berube, others are worried about the future of Connor McDavid if he comes to town.

If they hire Bérubé and I’m 97 I ask for a trade. Same day. You cannot teach stupid

— John Thompson (@TheOtherJohnIII) May 18, 2026

May as well take McDavid to the airport ourselves if we hire that guy so why bother interviewing

— Ben Goliath (@BA_Goliath) May 18, 2026

The Oilers need to land a great hire. While Oilers GM Stan Bowman has said that McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will not have a say in the next head coach, making sure McDavid is happy must be part of the formula. McDavid is about to enter the first year of an extension he signed with the team in 2025. The deal is just for two years, though. He could try to force his way out of town, instead of leaving for nothing following the 2027-28 season if the coaching hire is not perfect.

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