Edmonton, AB – Fresh off back-to-back expeditions to the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers organization has initiated a series of significant personnel adjustments within its coaching structure. The moves, announced by head coach Kris Knoblauch, signal a clear intent to refine tactical approaches and seek performance enhancements in key areas as the club continues its pursuit of the elusive championship.
Perhaps the most notable change involves Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey. Previously positioned behind the bench as an assistant coach overseeing the defensive unit, Coffey will transition back to a role as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations. This shift allows the former on-ice legend to contribute his vast knowledge from a higher-level strategic perspective, stepping away from the day-to-day operational demands of the bench.
To fill identified functional requirements, the Oilers have integrated three new specialists into the coaching group. Paul McFarland joins as a power-play strategist, a move that follows the departure of Glen Gulutzan. The power play, long a point of strength for the Oilers, experienced a notable dip in effectiveness during the recent season, necessitating a dedicated focus on optimization. McFarland brings a background that includes previous NHL assistant coaching roles with Florida, Toronto, and Seattle, offering diverse experience in managing high-talent offensive units.
Addressing inconsistencies observed in goaltending performance, Peter Aubry has been appointed as the new goalie coach, succeeding Dustin Schwartz, who held the position for over a decade. Aubry`s mandate will be to cultivate greater reliability and push the team`s netminders to achieve peak performance more consistently. His resume includes developmental coaching experience within the Chicago Blackhawks organization and time at the NCAA level, suggesting an emphasis on both technique refinement and mental fortitude.
Rounding out the new additions, Connor Allen will take on a skills development role. This hire underscores a commitment to ongoing individual player improvement, ensuring athletes have access to specialized coaching focused on honing their technical abilities – a standard practice in modern elite sports organizations.
Assistant coach Mark Stuart, whose contract was extended, will maintain responsibility for the penalty kill – an area that saw fluctuating performance in 2025 playoffs despite being critical to previous success – and will also assume the duties of overseeing the defensive corps previously handled by Coffey. This consolidation places significant responsibility on Stuart for two critical phases of play.
The coaching staff configuration on the bench will also see a modification, reducing from three assistant coaches alongside Knoblauch to two. This is a tactical alignment of personnel deployment.
Head Coach Knoblauch indicated that the decisions, particularly the change in the goaltending coach role after a long tenure, were difficult but driven by the organizational objective of continuous improvement. The aim is to introduce new perspectives and methodologies to challenge players and elevate their performance ceiling.
While Paul Coffey moves off the bench, his connection to the team`s strategic planning is expected to continue through ongoing consultation, leveraging his unparalleled experience as one of the game`s all-time greats.
These calculated adjustments reflect a front office determined to leave no stone unturned after coming agonizingly close to the ultimate goal. The integration of specialized coaching talent and the strategic repositioning of experienced personnel like Coffey are operational refinements designed to provide the critical edge needed to navigate the highly competitive landscape of the NHL and finally secure the Stanley Cup.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow