Oilers Facing Backlash From NHL Reporters Over Unexpected Practice
The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to intense scrutiny, especially after giving up the finals lead and entering Game 4 trailing 2–1 in the Stanley Cup Final.
On Wednesday in Florida, the scrutiny shifted off the ice and straight onto their media duties following an unexpected move pulled off by the franchise.
According to different reporters, the Oilers told the media that only healthy scratches would skate on what was declared a day off. That means the Oilers would be freed from offering a full media availability, as well as head coach Kris Knoblauch being able to conduct his interview via Zoom.
But then 16 players — including star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl — took the ice, prompting journalists covering the Stanley Cup Final to erupt against Edmonton.
“Oilers pull a fast one on the Stanley Cup media contingent, claiming an off day for the players. Then they skated. Subterfuge,” Sportsnet’s Mark Spector posted on X.
Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic called it a setback for the league's transparency.
“This was declared a day off, so there was no reason for most reporters to go to the rink,” Nugent-Bowman said. “Fans don’t care about media gripes, but this isn’t a great look for a league that should be craving any coverage it gets.”
TSN’s Ryan Rishaug noted that the move breaks precedent.
“Media told it would be scratches only, and no time was given for the skate,” Rishaug wrote. “Clearly feeling they need to give their guys a break from a Stanley Cup spotlight that is getting hot. Have covered well over a dozen finals and never had this happen before.”
NHL rules require player availability after practices — something the Oilers sidestepped via the “off day” designation.
No fines have been levied yet, but the NHL has the authority to impose discipline if it deems the move a violation, and it's fair to assume the franchise will at least get a call from the league's office at some point.
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