The Edmonton Oilers have made significant changes behind head coach Kris Knoblauch, hiring new staff and moving Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey from his bench duties to an upstairs advisory role.
Among the new additions, Paul McFarland joins as a power-play specialist following Glen Gulutzan`s departure to become the Dallas Stars` head coach. Peter Aubry replaces Dustin Schwartz as the team`s goalie coach, and Connor Allen will focus on skills development.
The club announced Monday that Coffey will return to his previous position as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations. This follows a period where he held a more hands-on role as an assistant coach overseeing the defensemen.
Assistant coach Mark Stuart`s contract has been extended. He will continue his specialization in the penalty kill and will now also assume responsibility for working with the defensemen.
Knoblauch inherited Coffey, Schwartz, and Stuart as assistants when he took over for Jay Woodcroft as Oilers head coach on November 12, 2023. Coffey, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, initially joined the bench staff when Knoblauch was hired, replacing former assistant Dave Manson.
Since Knoblauch took the helm, the Oilers have reached the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive seasons, losing to the Florida Panthers in six games this year (2025) and in seven games in 2024.
Speaking Monday on a virtual media conference call, Knoblauch commented on Coffey`s transition. He stated the team was “very fortunate” to have worked with him for two years and that conversations about him potentially stepping back had been ongoing, leading to the current change in role. Knoblauch noted that Coffey`s insights will remain valuable to the coaching staff, especially with new additions joining the group.
Knoblauch, who has one year remaining on his contract, will have two assistant coaches on the bench with him next season, a reduction from three.
Featuring star forward Leon Draisaitl, who ranks fifth among active NHL players in career power-play goals, Edmonton boasted one of the league`s top power plays for several years, although it saw a decline last season.
McFarland most recently served as head coach of the WHL`s Calgary Hitmen. Prior to that, he spent three years (2021-2024) as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken since their expansion season. The 39-year-old also has previous NHL assistant coaching experience with the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Knoblauch praised McFarland`s experience, noting he has “been running an NHL power play for many years” in Florida, Toronto, and Seattle. He added that while success depends on personnel, McFarland has “done a heck of a job” getting the most out of his players and will bring valuable expertise to the Oilers` roster.
Edmonton`s penalty kill unit, which was vital during their 2024 playoff run, struggled at times in the 2025 postseason.
Knoblauch acknowledged the penalty kill was “underperforming” during the recent playoffs and that discussions about system changes have been ongoing for many months, indicating adjustments are planned.
The Oilers` goaltending performance during the playoffs was inconsistent. Stuart Skinner started 15 of 24 postseason games this year, while Calvin Pickard started nine, including six consecutive starts.
Dustin Schwartz had served as Edmonton`s goalie coach for over a decade. Seeking more consistency, the team hired Peter Aubry, 48. Aubry previously served as an associate coach at Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA) for two seasons and spent eight seasons (2015-16 to 2023-24) as a developmental goaltending coach for the Chicago Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate in Rockford.
Knoblauch described replacing Schwartz as a “very, very difficult decision” but one made in the interest of finding ways to improve the team. He stated the organization is always looking to “push our goaltenders and make them better,” acknowledging their performance was sometimes “exceptional” but other times “wanting a little bit more.” He believes Aubry will “bring a different perspective” to help elevate the goalies to play at their best more consistently.
Connor Allen, 35, spent last season with the U.S. under-17 team and recently worked on skill development with the Sioux City Musketeers. The Oilers also confirmed a contract extension for video coach Noah Segall.
Duncan Priestley