The Edmonton Oilers, fresh off two consecutive deep runs to the Stanley Cup Final that ultimately fell just short, are making significant adjustments behind the bench. The team announced a strategic shakeup to their coaching staff, bringing in three new faces and transitioning a franchise legend into a different capacity.
Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey, who served as an assistant coach responsible for the defensemen since November 2023, is moving back to his previous role as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations. This change shifts Coffey from a hands-on bench role to a more strategic, upstairs position, allowing the team to continue leveraging his vast experience from a different vantage point. Head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed gratitude for Coffey`s time on the bench and noted that the shift was part of an ongoing conversation, emphasizing that Coffey will still provide valuable insight from his advisory post.
Filling specific needs, the Oilers have added three new coaches: Paul McFarland as a power-play specialist, Peter Aubry as goaltending coach, and Connor Allen in a skills development role. McFarland joins after Glen Gulutzan`s departure and brings NHL experience from stints with Florida, Toronto, and Seattle. His task will be to revitalize an Oilers power play that, despite boasting elite talent like Leon Draisaitl, saw a notable dip in effectiveness last season after years of dominance. Knoblauch highlighted McFarland`s track record of maximizing power-play units, suggesting confidence in his ability to work with Edmonton`s skilled forwards.
In goal, Peter Aubry replaces Dustin Schwartz, who had been the Oilers` goaltending coach for over a decade. The team`s goaltending performance during the recent playoff runs was at times inconsistent, prompting the move. The organization is seeking more consistency and aims for Aubry, with his background in developmental roles within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, to bring a “different perspective” and “push” the goaltenders to perform at their best more often.
Rounding out the new additions, Connor Allen joins in a skills development capacity, focusing on refining players` technical abilities. Meanwhile, assistant coach Mark Stuart has signed an extension and will continue to oversee the penalty kill unit. Notably, Stuart will also assume responsibility for coaching the defensemen, taking over the duties previously held by Coffey on the bench. The penalty kill, a strength in the 2024 playoffs, also saw its performance drop in 2025, adding to Stuart`s plate.
Knoblauch, who is entering the final year of his contract, confirmed that the team will operate with two assistant coaches on the bench next season, a reduction from three. He acknowledged that changes, particularly the decision regarding the long-tenured goaltending coach, were difficult but necessary steps taken as the organization constantly seeks ways to improve and elevate player performance.
These strategic adjustments reflect the Oilers` commitment to fine-tuning their approach in the wake of coming so agonizingly close to their ultimate goal. By bringing in new voices and specialists to address key performance areas, while retaining experienced staff and maintaining the connection to figures like Coffey in advisory capacities, the organization is clearly hoping these shifts provide the marginal gains needed to finally take that final step and hoist the Stanley Cup. It seems the relentless pursuit of the perfect coaching formula continues unabated in Edmonton.
