The Edmonton Oilers, fresh off consecutive deep playoff runs, are implementing significant changes behind the bench and within their hockey operations staff as they continue their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The club announced a restructuring that includes a notable shift for a team legend and the addition of three new faces with diverse backgrounds.
Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey, who spent last season in a more direct assistant coaching role working with the defense, is transitioning back to his position as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations. This move returns Coffey to a capacity where his extensive knowledge can influence the club from a broader strategic perspective, offering wisdom from a slightly different vantage point than the demanding day-to-day of the bench.
Concurrently, the team is parting ways with goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz, who had held the position since 2014. This change comes after the team`s goaltending performance faced scrutiny at crucial moments in recent post-season appearances, suggesting a targeted effort to bring a new approach to this vital area.
To fill these roles and add new expertise, the Oilers are bringing in Paul McFarland as an assistant coach, Peter Aubry as the new goaltending coach, and Conor Allen to focus on team skills development.
Paul McFarland, 39, is set to join the bench staff. He spent the most recent season as a head coach in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and has previous NHL assistant coaching experience with the Seattle Kraken, Florida Panthers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. His arrival signals the introduction of a coach with recent diverse experiences at both the major junior and NHL levels to contribute to the team`s strategic and tactical execution.
Taking over goaltending responsibilities is Peter Aubry, 48. His resume includes two seasons as an associate coach in the NCAA and a lengthy tenure (eight seasons) developing goaltenders within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, including their AHL affiliate. The hire of Aubry appears to be a direct response to the identified need for enhanced stability and performance in the crease, bringing in a coach with a strong developmental background.
Rounding out the new additions is Conor Allen, 35, who will handle team skills. Allen`s recent work includes roles with the United States` U17 team and a skill development position with the Sioux City Musketeers. His addition points towards a focus on specialized player improvement and technical refinement.
Amidst these changes, the Oilers also confirmed contract extensions for existing assistant coach Mark Stuart and video coach Noah Segall, maintaining continuity in certain areas while strategically injecting new perspectives and expertise where deemed necessary. These adjustments reflect a calculated effort by the organization to optimize their coaching structure as they press forward towards their ultimate objective.
