“Dominating the Score Sheet: The Edmonton Oilers’ Top Point Producers of the Last 25 Years — Franchise Legends Who Defined a Generation”
The Edmonton Oilers have been a team teetering on the edge of greatness for several seasons now. With two generational talents in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a passionate fanbase, and an organization hungry for a return to Stanley Cup glory, the expectations have never been higher. And after another playoff run fell short of the ultimate prize, changes were inevitable. On Monday morning, the team made a series of coaching staff changes that signal not just a new chapter—but a clear, strategic recalibration. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, entering his first full offseason as the bench boss, didn’t mince words when discussing the hires. “We knew exactly what we needed,” he said. And with those words, the Oilers made it clear: this wasn’t change for the sake of change. It was purpose-driven, calculated, and rooted in an honest assessment of what’s held this team back.
The hiring of Peter Aubry as the new goaltending coach was perhaps the most telling move. Goaltending has been one of the most polarizing aspects of the Oilers’ recent campaigns. Whether it was inconsistency between the pipes, injuries, or a lack of developmental progress, Edmonton’s netminding simply hasn’t matched the level of the offense in front of it. Aubry, who spent years developing young goalies in Chicago and was integral in crafting NHL-ready netminders during his time with the Blackhawks, brings a resume of structure, detail, and modern techniques. For a team like Edmonton, that has leaned heavily on Stuart Skinner and struggled to find steady backup or competition, Aubry’s arrival could be transformative.
Knoblauch emphasized that goaltending wasn’t the only concern—but it was one that required “urgent precision.” He noted that the conversations leading to Aubry’s hire were centered around creating a developmental pathway not just for immediate improvement, but for long-term consistency. That means not just working with the NHL goalies, but aligning the organization’s goalie strategy across all levels—from the AHL to junior prospects. Aubry, who has a reputation for building relationships as well as systems, fits that bill.
Joining Aubry on the revamped staff are two other new faces who bring fresh ideas and proven track records. First is Glen Gulutzan, a familiar name in Canadian hockey circles, returning to the bench as an assistant coach after spending time in various roles around the league. Known for his ability to connect with players and his tactical acumen, Gulutzan’s return is seen as a stabilizing presence—someone who understands the league’s evolution and can help implement systems that blend structure with creativity. Then there’s Noah Segall, a rising star in coaching circles who will assist in skill development and systems execution. Segall’s background, especially in analytics-informed coaching and individual skill development, reflects a growing trend in the NHL to integrate data with ice-level execution. It’s a progressive hire, one that shows the Oilers are not only reacting to today’s game but looking ahead to where the game is going.
Knoblauch’s confidence in these moves stems not from blind optimism, but from a deep evaluation process. He described the offseason as one of “honest reflection,” both personally and organizationally. The Oilers came close—but not close enough. And after watching the playoffs unfold and identifying where the team faltered under pressure, the coaching staff came to a consensus that new perspectives were needed. That consensus, according to Knoblauch, was driven not by disappointment, but by a collective belief that “we’re not far off.” The hiring decisions were the byproduct of a clear blueprint: reinforce the areas that lagged, modernize where necessary, and bring in voices who can challenge the status quo while aligning with the team’s ultimate goal.
The Oilers are a team with few excuses left. They’ve had MVP-level performances from McDavid and Draisaitl for years now. They’ve added key pieces in the supporting cast. Their defensive structure has improved under Knoblauch. But the margin for error in the NHL playoffs is razor-thin. Special teams faltered at the wrong time. Defensive breakdowns crept in during high-stakes moments. And while Stuart Skinner gave the team stretches of solid goaltending, there were moments where the lack of an elite performance between the pipes became the difference. Knoblauch believes these new coaching hires directly address those issues.
It wasn’t just about who they hired—it was about how they went about it. The Oilers’ front office, including GM Ken Holland and other decision-makers, were methodical in their approach. They didn’t rush the hires. They didn’t just recycle names or go with the “safe” choices. Instead, they sought out individuals who could integrate into the team culture while elevating it. For Aubry, that meant someone who could rebuild confidence and technique in the crease. For Gulutzan, it meant bringing in a trusted voice who can stabilize game plans and mentor younger coaches. For Segall, it meant injecting innovation into practices, video sessions, and player development.
Players have already begun to respond positively. Early summer sessions have shown a renewed sense of purpose. Veteran players have welcomed the changes, particularly those who’ve seen the team struggle to get over the hump year after year. Younger players, meanwhile, see opportunity—a chance to grow in a more supportive and forward-thinking environment. Knoblauch highlighted how the feedback from players factored into the hiring process. “We listen,” he said. “This is a team where every voice matters. These hires reflect that.”
What remains now is turning potential into production. The coaching staff changes are just one piece of the puzzle. Roster construction, injury management, and on-ice execution will all play major roles in determining how far the Oilers can go next season. But in the high-stakes world of NHL contention, these types of offseason decisions often set the tone. It’s about culture. It’s about detail. And, most importantly, it’s about trust—trust in a plan, in a philosophy, and in the people chosen to implement it.
Knoblauch has made it clear that he trusts this group. “These are people who understand what it takes. They’re not here to reinvent everything. They’re here to build on what we’ve started and to make us better in the areas where we need it most.” There’s a humility to that approach—but also a quiet intensity. The Oilers aren’t looking to blow it all up. They’re looking to fine-tune a machine that’s already close to firing on all cylinders.
In many ways, this coaching overhaul is a reflection of where the Oilers are as an organization. They’re no longer the rebuilding team banking on high draft picks. They’re no longer just the “McDavid and Draisaitl show.” They’re a team with depth, with ambition, and now, with a coaching staff that mirrors those qualities. The moves made this week suggest a franchise that understands the urgency of the moment. Windows in professional sports don’t last forever, especially when salary cap pressures and aging cores are in play. Knoblauch and the Oilers are aware of that timeline—and they’re acting accordingly.
As the offseason progresses and training camp draws near, all eyes will be on how these new voices influence the day-to-day operation of the team. Will Aubry’s methods translate into more consistent goaltending? Can Gulutzan help refine the team’s structure in a way that holds up under playoff pressure? Will Segall’s player-focused development lead to breakout performances from younger or secondary players? These are the questions that will define the 2025 campaign. And Knoblauch, for his part, is betting on yes.
There is, of course, no guarantee that these changes alone will be enough to lift the Oilers to the promised land. But in a league defined by inches and moments, having the right people in the right positions can be the difference between heartbreak and a championship. That’s what makes this week’s hires so critical. They aren’t just about technical expertise—they’re about belief. Belief that this group, with a few targeted adjustments, has everything it needs to win.
So when Knoblauch says, “We knew exactly what we needed,” it’s more than just a soundbite. It’s a statement of intent. It’s a signal to the rest of the league that the Oilers are not standing still. They’re not settling for close. They’re pushing forward, sharpening the edges, and positioning themselves to finally reach the summit they’ve been climbing toward for years.
