BREAKING NEWS: The NHL has issued an official warning and fined Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch $80,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after he shouted “F* you” three times at the referees. The incident occurred following a controversial personal foul call in the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, involving a dangerous hit on star forward Connor McDavid. Full story ⤵️

The National Hockey League has officially fined Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch $80,000 and issued a formal warning following a heated confrontation with referees during last night’s matchup against the Florida Panthers.

The incident occurred midway through the third period after a controversial personal foul call involving a dangerous hit on Oilers captain Connor McDavid, which left the superstar briefly down on the ice. Moments after the whistle, Knoblauch was seen shouting “F you!” three times* toward the officiating crew, visibly furious at what he believed was a missed or unfair call.

Players and assistants reportedly had to restrain the coach as tensions boiled over on the bench. The NHL later described Knoblauch’s behavior as “conduct detrimental to the integrity of the game”, emphasizing that the league “will not tolerate verbal abuse directed at officials under any circumstance.”

The Oilers organization has not yet released an official statement, but sources inside the team say Knoblauch has privately expressed regret for the outburst, while also standing by his criticism of the officiating consistency that night.

Fans have flooded social media with mixed reactions — some praising Knoblauch for “defending McDavid with passion,” others calling his actions “a bad look for leadership.”

This marks the largest fine handed to an NHL coach this season, underscoring the league’s ongoing push to maintain respect for referees and sportsmanship across all levels of play.

📰 Developing story — more updates to follow as the Oilers and Panthers prepare for their next game.