The Edmonton Oilers have made a series of changes behind the bench, highlighted by Hall of Famer Paul Coffey transitioning from assistant coach back to his previous role as special adviser to ownership and hockey operations.
The team announced the shakeup Monday, which also includes the addition of three new coaches:
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Paul McFarland joins as a power-play specialist, replacing Glen Gulutzan, who departed to become head coach of the Dallas Stars.
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Peter Aubry takes over as goaltending coach from longtime staffer Dustin Schwartz.
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Connor Allen will serve in a player skills development role.
Additionally, assistant coach Mark Stuart has had his contract extended. He will now lead both the penalty kill and defensive group, taking over Coffey’s previous duties. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, who enters the final year of his contract, will operate with two bench assistants instead of three.
Knoblauch reflected on Coffey’s time behind the bench:
“I feel fortunate to have worked with Paul the past two years. He brought so much insight to our staff. Even though he’s stepping away from the bench, we’ll continue leaning on him for advice throughout the season.”
Coffey initially joined Knoblauch’s staff when he replaced Jay Woodcroft in November 2023. During that time, the Oilers made back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Final — falling to the Panthers in six games this year and losing in seven the year prior.
The Oilers are hoping McFarland can reignite a power play that dipped last season. The 39-year-old previously served as an NHL assistant with Florida, Toronto, and Seattle, and most recently coached the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen.
“He’s run top NHL power plays before,” said Knoblauch. “We believe his experience and ability to work with high-end talent will benefit our group.”
On the defensive side, the penalty kill — which was a key strength during the 2024 playoff run — struggled in 2025. Knoblauch confirmed that the team will be implementing changes to the system in response.
Goaltending was another area of inconsistency. While Stuart Skinner started 15 playoff games, Calvin Pickard had a strong run with six consecutive starts. The change in goalie coach signals a desire for more consistency between the pipes.
Aubry, 48, brings a wealth of experience, including time with Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA), the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, and a long tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks organization.
“It was a tough decision to part ways with Schwartz,” Knoblauch admitted. “But we’re looking for a fresh perspective and someone who can push our goaltenders to a higher level. Peter brings that.”
Connor Allen, 35, joins the staff after working with USA Hockey’s U17 program and the Sioux City Musketeers in a development capacity.
Lastly, the Oilers announced that video coach Noah Segall has also signed a contract extension.
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