“NEXT MAN BEHIND THE MASK: Jason Gregor Breaks Down Top Goalie Coach Candidates the Edmonton Oilers Should Target in Crucial Offseason Decision”
The Edmonton Oilers are entering a pivotal offseason in which every staffing move could shape the trajectory of the franchise’s immediate and long-term future. While much of the public focus rests on player acquisitions, contract extensions, and trade rumors, a more behind-the-scenes but equally critical position is drawing attention: the vacancy in the goaltending coach department. After parting ways with long-time goalie coach Dustin Schwartz, the Oilers are on the hunt for a fresh face to oversee the development and consistency of the most unpredictable position in hockey. Jason Gregor of Oilersnation recently compiled and analyzed several potential candidates who could step into this high-pressure role, offering insights that Oilers fans, analysts, and the front office alike should take seriously.
The role of a goalie coach can’t be overstated in today’s NHL. Goaltending, once viewed as a position of pure instinct and reflexes, has evolved into a science. From biomechanics and mental conditioning to film breakdown and technique refinement, today’s goaltending coaches need to bring not just experience but a multifaceted skill set. The Oilers’ recent rollercoaster ride in the crease—with Jack Campbell’s struggles, Stuart Skinner’s fluctuating form, and the organization’s high-stakes aspirations—makes this coaching hire one of the most impactful decisions of the summer.
Gregor, known for his analytical approach and deep connections within the league, outlined a group of intriguing names, each with a unique resume and coaching philosophy. Among the frontrunners he mentioned is Dusty Imoo, whose work with the LA Kings and AHL goalies earned him a reputation as a development wizard. Imoo has demonstrated a knack for helping younger goalies translate raw talent into NHL readiness, a skill that aligns perfectly with Edmonton’s goal of grooming Skinner into a long-term solution. Imoo’s methodology leans heavily into biomechanics and mental strength, two areas where many Oilers netminders have needed extra support.
Another name floated by Gregor is Adam Francilia, who, while not a traditional goalie coach in the NHL sense, has been regarded as a personal performance and biomechanics consultant to some of the league’s elite netminders. Connor Hellebuyck, Thatcher Demko, and Devan Dubnyk have all praised Francilia for helping them unlock new levels of performance through off-ice adjustments and cutting-edge training. Hiring someone like Francilia would be an unconventional move for the Oilers, but after years of trying conventional approaches with middling results, a fresh direction might be exactly what the franchise needs.
Former NHL goalie and current coach Mike Valley also appeared on Gregor’s radar. Valley previously worked with the Dallas Stars, where he helped oversee the rise of goalies like Ben Bishop and Jake Oettinger. He combines on-ice technical coaching with a strong focus on goalie psychology, a field gaining increasing importance across professional sports. With the pressures of playing in a Canadian market like Edmonton, having a goalie coach who understands the mental toll and can develop coping strategies could be invaluable.
Gregor also took a look at the potential of promoting from within or giving younger coaches their first NHL opportunity. Jussi Parkkila, who has spent time in the Avalanche organization and previously worked with Finnish national teams, was highlighted for his impressive track record in developing European goalies and translating their game to the North American ice surface. With the Oilers continuing to scout and draft European talent, a coach like Parkkila could become an asset in both the NHL and AHL levels.
The idea of rekindling past connections also surfaced in Gregor’s breakdown, with names like Wade Flaherty coming up. Flaherty, the long-time goalie development coach for the Winnipeg Jets, has worked with many successful NHL goalies and might be ready for a new challenge. He’s known for his calm demeanor and his ability to maintain composure and discipline in high-stakes environments—traits the Oilers desperately need to instill in their goalie room.
But beyond names, Gregor’s analysis focused on the type of coach the Oilers should be targeting. Edmonton has found itself too often in the unenviable position of chasing goaltending stability instead of building it. From Mikko Koskinen’s inconsistent tenure to the underwhelming return on investment in Jack Campbell, the goalie position has been a sore spot in an otherwise powerful roster. Stuart Skinner, despite flashes of brilliance, showed signs of fatigue and inexperience during high-pressure playoff runs. A good goalie coach won’t just manage in-season performance—they’ll help a young goalie build year-round routines, refine mental and physical conditioning, and introduce feedback loops that drive sustainable growth.
Gregor emphasized that this is not merely a fill-the-seat hiring. It must be a strategic, visionary move. The Oilers have arguably the best player on the planet in Connor McDavid, another elite talent in Leon Draisaitl, and a window of contention that’s open but not endless. They can’t afford to lose another playoff series because of an unsteady crease. Whoever is hired must understand the weight of that responsibility.
Hiring the right goalie coach also has implications that stretch beyond the NHL roster. The Oilers’ AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, is a crucial part of the team’s development pipeline. The ideal candidate must be able to work seamlessly across both levels, either through personal travel or close coordination with the developmental staff. Goaltending prospects like Olivier Rodrigue and Ryan Fanti represent future options and assets for the franchise—whoever steps into the goalie coach role will be tasked with helping mold these players into viable NHL backups or trade chips.
Another aspect Gregor raised is the integration of analytics into goalie coaching. In the modern game, organizations increasingly use data to monitor shot quality, save probability, movement efficiency, and recovery time. Coaches who can blend eye-test expertise with data-driven insights have a competitive edge. For the Oilers, integrating goaltending performance with the team’s broader analytic ecosystem is long overdue. A coach with experience using tools like Clear Sight Analytics or private tracking metrics could help close the gap between what fans see on the ice and what management needs to measure behind the scenes.
The Oilers’ front office, led by GM Jeff Jackson and President of Hockey Ops Ken Holland, faces pressure to get this hire right. Holland, in particular, has been criticized for conservative moves and loyalty to underperforming staff. This goalie coach hire offers a chance to break that narrative by bringing in someone who reflects the innovation and urgency that the rest of the hockey world expects from a contender.
As Gregor pointed out, timing is also crucial. The earlier the Oilers make their hire, the better positioned they’ll be to prepare for training camp, implement off-season training programs, and ensure that their NHL and AHL goalies are aligned in both philosophy and execution. Goalies often tailor their summer routines based on feedback from their coaches; bringing someone in late would limit that window and potentially delay critical improvements.
In the broader context of the Oilers’ offseason, which includes questions about re-signing key players, potential trades, and how to navigate a tight salary cap, the goalie coach hiring might not generate front-page headlines. But within the organization, it could be one of the most pivotal decisions of the summer. The difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run often hinges on goaltending. And the difference between average and elite goaltending frequently comes down to coaching.
Jason Gregor’s breakdown serves as a valuable guidepost in this process, not just for fans and media, but possibly for decision-makers inside Rogers Place. Whether they choose a seasoned NHL veteran, a development guru, or a modern innovator, the Oilers must approach this hire with intention, boldness, and a willingness to embrace change. Edmonton has already learned the hard way that poor goaltending support can derail even the most talented cores. Now it’s time to learn the reverse—that the right coach can unlock hidden potential and bring stability to the most volatile position in the sport.
As the Oilers move through their summer evaluations, interviews, and deliberations, the pressure will continue to mount. The hockey world is watching. So are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The stakes couldn’t be higher. And somewhere out there, the next man behind the mask is waiting for his call.
