Oilers dismiss Knoblauch; NFL unveils 2026 slate; Scheffler shares PGA lead

The Edmonton Oilers dismissed head coach Kris Knoblauch on Thursday after a first-round playoff exit, ending his third season in charge. The NFL finalized its 2026 schedule, opening with a Seahawks–Patriots Super Bowl rematch and the league’s first game in Australia. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler closed Round 1 of the PGA Championship in a seven-way tie at Aronimink. Detroit infielder Kevin McGonigle climbed to No. 1 in the latest MLB rookie rankings.

Oilers fire Kris Knoblauch

Front office pressure after first-round loss

Knoblauch’s dismissal follows a first-round defeat to the Ducks and ends his third season behind the bench. Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup Final in each of his first two years before falling short this spring, a contrast that sharpened scrutiny on a roster built to contend. Team officials said he was relieved of his duties following the postseason loss.

The move underscores urgency from a front office seeking sustained playoff success. Organizational reviews are expected to examine roster construction and coaching direction, with general manager Stan Bowman drawing attention for recent personnel decisions.

NFL releases 2026 schedule with Australia debut

Opening matchup and international game

The league confirmed a 272-game slate across 18 weeks, opening with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots. The calendar also includes the NFL’s inaugural game in Australia, extending the international series to a new continent and introducing fresh travel and preparation dynamics. Traditional holiday windows, including Thanksgiving, remain packed with marquee contests.

Patriots face historic opening stretch

New England’s draw is among the toughest to start a season in decades. Its first four games constitute the most demanding season-opening stretch since 1986, and the Patriots will be the first team since 2019 to open against three consecutive opponents that were division winners. League officials describe the schedule build as a complex matrix balancing competitive equity, travel, bye weeks and broadcast priorities.

Scheffler shares PGA Championship lead

Early leaderboard picture at Aronimink

Scheffler posted a composed opening round to join six others atop the leaderboard after 18 holes at Aronimink. The venue rewards precision and patience, setting up a demanding test through the next three rounds for both co-leaders and chasers. Notable names outside the lead include Rory McIlroy after a 74 and Bryson DeChambeau following a 76, adding intrigue to the cut line and potential weekend pairings.

McGonigle rises to No. 1 in MLB rookie rankings

Rookie ladder reshuffles early awards races

Detroit’s Kevin McGonigle climbed seven spots to take over the top position in the latest rookie ladder. Through 41 games, he is batting .301 with a .409 on-base percentage and .444 slugging, drawing 26 walks against 22 strikeouts and stealing seven bases without being caught. Elsewhere among top first-year performers, Munetaka Murakami has launched 15 home runs in his first 42 games, and Parker Messick has maintained a sub-1.00 WHIP over 53.2 innings with 58 strikeouts.

What’s next: Edmonton’s coaching search and roster decisions will frame its offseason. NFL teams will map travel and rest across a demanding 2026 slate, Round 2 at Aronimink will reorder the PGA leaderboard, and MLB’s rookie class will continue to shape awards races into the summer.