Vasily Podkolzin’s Story Shows What Kris Knoblauch Got Right
There was an interesting little nugget hidden in Vasily Podkolzin’s comments about the Edmonton Oilers’ coaching change, and it had very little to do with Mike Babcock. Everyone wants to talk about Babcock’s arrival. The demanding coach. The accountability. The expectation of tougher standards after a disappointing first-round playoff exit.
But the part that caught my attention was Podkolzin's discussion of Kris Knoblauch. Because sometimes the biggest compliment a coach can receive isn’t from the stars. It comes from the players who needed a little help finding their way.
Knoblauch played an important role in helping Podkolzin rebuild his confidence.
Podkolzin admitted he had mixed feelings about the coaching change because of what Knoblauch did for him. He credited the former Oilers coach with giving him opportunities, allowing him to play through mistakes, and helping him develop confidence. And that is worth paying attention to.
When Podkolzin arrived in Edmonton, many wondered if he was simply another former first-round pick who hadn't found his place in the NHL. The talent was obvious, but the consistency wasn't always there. The question became whether he could become more than just a depth player. Then Knoblauch arrived.
Rather than trying to force Podkolzin into being something he wasn't, Knoblauch found a way to get more out of him by giving him opportunities, building confidence, and allowing him to play through mistakes.
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Knoblauch might not have Babcock’s résumé, but he sure helped Podkolzin.
That doesn't mean Knoblauch was a "better" coach than Babcock. It simply shows something every good coach eventually learns: different players need different approaches. Some players respond to a demanding voice. Some need a coach who gives them confidence. The best coaches figure out which player needs which message.
That might be the biggest challenge waiting for Babcock in Edmonton. This isn't a rebuilding team full of young players who need to be taught the basics. This is a veteran group with established stars. But every team has players like Podkolzin — talented players who need the right environment to reach another level.
Perhaps Babcock will be the difference-maker the Oilers need.
The Oilers are hoping Babcock brings a new edge. Maybe he will. But the lesson from Podkolzin’s comments is that coaching is not just about systems, discipline, or demanding more. Sometimes it is about understanding the player sitting in front of you.
Knoblauch helped Podkolzin rediscover his game by instilling belief. Now Babcock’s challenge is figuring out how to add his own message without losing the confidence Knoblauch helped create.