Former Edmonton Oilers great Paul Coffey speaks to media.
The Edmonton Oilers have announced a significant reshuffle in their coaching lineup as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season. In a bid to bring renewed focus and specialized expertise to the team, the franchise has made three new coaching hires and reassigned a legendary name to a strategic role.
Paul Coffey Returns to Advisory Role
Paul Coffey, a Hall of Fame defenceman and one of hockey’s most iconic figures, is stepping away from his bench duties.
Coffey will now resume his previous position as a special advisor to Oilers’ ownership and hockey operations. His new role will allow him to contribute off the ice, offering guidance and strategic input from a broader perspective.
Coffey’s return to the advisory role marks a thoughtful move by the Oilers, allowing the team to benefit from his deep experience and hockey IQ without confining his presence to the bench.
Paul McFarland Joins as Assistant Coach
One of the key additions to the Oilers’ coaching team is Paul McFarland, who takes on the role of assistant coach. At 39, McFarland brings both NHL and junior-level experience to the job. Most recently, he served as head coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Known for his offensive systems and player development skills, McFarland is expected to inject new energy into the Oilers' bench.
His previous NHL stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers make him a strong asset in handling high-pressure scenarios.
Peter Aubry Named Goaltending Coach
In another strategic coaching change, Peter Aubry has been appointed as the Oilers' new goaltending coach. Aubry, 48, replaces Dustin Schwartz, who was let go after nearly a decade with the team.
Aubry boasts considerable experience, having served in a similar role with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2016 to 2024. He took a professional break last season but now returns to the NHL with fresh focus. His reputation for working closely with goalies on technique and mental resilience could be pivotal for the Oilers’ defensive performance.
Conor Allen Becomes Skills Coach
Rounding out the new hires is Conor Allen, who joins the Oilers as a skills coach. Allen, 35, previously worked with the U.S. National Team Development Program, specifically the under-17 squad. His expertise in individual player development and technical improvement aligns with Edmonton’s focus on sharpening fundamentals and increasing depth performance.
Allen is seen as a rising coaching talent, and his addition is part of the Oilers’ effort to future-proof their roster development pipeline.
Continuity Maintained with Contract Extensions
While changes have been made, some familiar faces are staying put. Assistant coach Mark Stuart and video coach Noah Segall have signed contract extensions, ensuring some stability within the coaching team. Both have played key roles in recent seasons, and their continued presence provides continuity as the team adjusts to the new structure.
A Balanced Mix of Experience and Fresh Ideas
This reshuffle in the Oilers' coaching staff is more than a routine update—it's a calculated move toward long-term success. With Paul Coffey taking a step back into a strategic role and three fresh voices joining the coaching ranks, Edmonton is clearly aiming for a balanced blend of veteran insight and new-age coaching methods.
As the team prepares for training camp, all eyes will be on how these changes translate on the ice. For the Oilers, the message is clear: the pursuit of excellence is ongoing, and innovation remains at the heart of their strategy.
