EDMONTON, AB – Fresh off consecutive deep runs to the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers organization has initiated a significant restructuring of its coaching staff under Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. The moves signal a calculated effort to inject new perspectives and specialized expertise aimed at finally conquering the league`s ultimate challenge.
Perhaps the most notable shift involves Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey. After serving in a hands-on assistant coaching role primarily focused on the blueline, Coffey transitions back to his position as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations. This move takes a franchise legend from the immediate intensity of the bench to a strategic role with a broader view of the organization.
Accompanying this pivot is the addition of three new coaches, each tasked with addressing specific areas of the team`s performance. Paul McFarland joins as a power-play specialist. His arrival follows the departure of Glen Gulutzan, who accepted a head coaching role elsewhere. The Oilers` power play, historically elite, saw a dip in effectiveness during the past season, making McFarland`s mandate clear: restore its dominance.
The goaltending department will see a new voice as Peter Aubry steps in as the new goaltending coach, replacing Dustin Schwartz, who held the position for over a decade. The Oilers` goaltending has experienced periods of brilliance and inconsistency, particularly during the pressure cooker of the playoffs. Aubry, with previous experience in developmental roles within the Chicago Blackhawks organization and collegiate coaching, is expected to bring a fresh approach to push the netminders towards greater consistency.
Rounding out the new hires is Connor Allen, who will serve in a skills development role. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional hockey, individual skill refinement is paramount. Allen`s addition emphasizes the organization`s commitment to enhancing player capabilities beyond team systems.
Amidst the new arrivals, the club also ensured continuity by extending the contract of Assistant Coach Mark Stuart. Stuart will continue to oversee the penalty kill, a unit crucial to the Oilers` recent playoff success but which faced challenges in the most recent postseason. He also assumes responsibility for coaching the defensemen, taking over from Coffey`s previous bench duties. This expanded role solidifies Stuart`s importance within Knoblauch`s staff.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch addressed the changes, acknowledging the difficulty of parting ways with long-time staff but underscoring the organizational drive for improvement. He emphasized that the decisions, particularly regarding the goaltending change, stemmed from a desire for new perspectives to help players reach their peak performance more consistently.
These coaching adjustments arrive at a pivotal moment for the Oilers. Having come agonizingly close to the Stanley Cup in back-to-back attempts (falling in seven games in 2024 and six games in 2025), the franchise is clearly in win-now mode. The strategic alterations behind the bench are designed to provide the necessary tactical edges and developmental support to navigate the fine margins that separate a contender from a champion.
While the core of the team remains strong, featuring superstar talent, the front office and coaching staff are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the ultimate prize. The infusion of specialized expertise and the strategic reallocation of veteran experience like Paul Coffey`s signal a clear message: the Oilers are recalibrating for another intense push towards lifting the Stanley Cup.
