After a period away from coaching at the NHL bench, Jay Woodcroft is officially back — a development that many hockey fans and analysts have been hoping for. Here’s what we know, what it means, and why it’s cause for optimism.
Who is Jay Woodcroft
Woodcroft took over as interim head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in February 2022, after the team parted ways with Dave Tippett.
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Under his leadership, the Oilers surged late in the 2021‑22 season, earning a spot in the Western Conference Final.
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In June 2022, he was given a full contract (no longer interim), with an extension that ran through the 2024‑25 season.
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However, his tenure in 2023‑24 was rocky: a poor start to the season (3‑9‑1) led to his dismissal in November 2023.
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The New Gig: What’s Changed
As of July 1, 2025, Woodcroft has been hired by the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant coach under head coach Joel Quenneville.
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This move represents his return to an NHL coaching role, after stepping away from head coaching in Edmonton.
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Why This is Great News
Valued Experience Returns to the League
Woodcroft brings considerable experience — not just in terms of wins and losses, but knowledge of playoff intensity, player development, and team leadership. Even though his final run with Edmonton had its struggles, his track record shows he can rally teams, manage star players, and compete under pressure. For many, having him back in a coaching role is reassuring.
Potential for Redemption and Growth
Coaching roles are rarely linear. Being an assistant now doesn’t preclude Woodcroft from being a head coach again down the line. He gets to refine his craft, learn under Quenneville, and perhaps correct some of the things that critics pointed to during Edmonton’s tougher moments.
Positive Impact for the Ducks
Anaheim gains a coach who knows what it takes in the current NHL environment. Woodcroft’s strategic acumen, especially in deploying top skaters and balancing roles, could give the Ducks an additional edge. For a team looking to improve and possibly return to playoff contention, this is a smart move.
Good for Hockey Culture
The fact that someone who has proven themselves — even if imperfectly — continues to be trusted and invested in, is good for the sport. It says that your past performance and character can still get you opportunities, even after setbacks.
Things to Watch
How Woodcroft adapts to being in a supporting role rather than the top coach — different responsibilities, less spotlight, more collaboration.
Whether this move leads to improved coaching performance from Anaheim, particularly in areas that were once criticized in Edmonton (defensive play, consistency through slumps, adjustments).
Timing and possibility of his return to a head coaching role. If he does well, there may be teams looking to hire him as a head coach again.
Conclusion
This return of Jay Woodcroft to the NHL coaching ranks is indeed one of the best updates many fans have been hoping for. It brings closure to the “where‑is‑he‑going‑next” questions, offers promise for both his career and Anaheim’s season, and serves as a reminder that in hockey, comebacks are always possible
