According to ESPN's Kevin Weekes, the Edmonton Oilers and interim head coach Jay Woodcroft are nearing a contract extension.
**Breaking News** .
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 18, 2022
It’s a developing and fluid situation, but I’m told @EdmontonOilers are close to signing HC Jay Woodcroft to a 3 Yr Deal. @NHL #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/QamZbxs23t
Woodcroft, 45, stepped in as interim head coach in February after the Oilers fired Dave Tippett.
The Oilers finished the regular season 26-9-3 under Woodcroft, finishing 49-27-6 overall to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Pacific Division. They opened the postseason by defeating the Los Angeles Kings in seven games, followed by a round two victory over the Calgary Flames in five games. Edmonton advanced to the Western Conference Final, where they were swept by the Colorado Avalanche.
The Oilers and Woodcroft agreeing to an extension won't surprise many, as the team seemed committed to bringing him back.
Earlier this month, Oilers general manager Ken Holland spoke highly of Woodcroft while adding the two would meet to discuss the future.
"I think he did a fabulous job," Holland said. "The team responded to him and I told him he and I would meet early next week, Monday or Tuesday, and have a discussion. Yes, I am interested in him coming back. I want to hear what he's thinking. But I think he did a great job and was a big part of what we accomplished."
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