McDavid surprised by Woodcroft firing: 'Didn't see it coming'

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid said he was caught off guard by the club's decision to fire head coach Jay Woodcroft and assistant Dave Manson on Sunday.

"First and foremost, obviously surprised," McDavid told reporters, per TSN. "Didn't see it coming. I loved playing for 'Woody,' I loved playing for 'Mans.' Two guys I think are unbelievable coaches and I really think they'll be in the league very, very soon."

Woodcroft was believed to be on the hot seat after Edmonton lost to the last-place San Jose Sharks last week, and he was let go despite a convincing win over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

The Oilers hired Kris Knoblauch, McDavid's coach during his time with the OHL's Erie Otters, to replace Woodcroft. Edmonton general manager Ken Holland and CEO Jeff Jackson had contradicting answers at Sunday's press conference when asked if players were involved in the decision to change coaches.

McDavid maintained Monday that he didn't play a role and addressed the speculation that he hand-picked Knoblauch due to their prior relationship.

"I woke up to a text, like probably a lot of you guys did as well," McDavid said. "I know the narrative out there obviously, but it couldn't be farther from the truth."

The three-time Hart Trophy winner was adamant Oilers players didn't tune out Woodcroft's message despite a heavily scrutinized 3-9-1 start to a season in which they were presumed to be Stanley Cup contenders.

"Not at all," McDavid said. "He never lost the room, I didn't think."

He added: "Our play hasn't been good enough. I'm first on the list there. Our play needs to be better, it's the reason two good guys lost their job."

McDavid has produced 10 points in 11 games this season while averaging just over 22 minutes per night. He missed two contests in October due to an upper-body injury.

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