Oilers Confident in Coaching Overhaul as Knoblauch Asserts New Hires Align Perfectly with Team’s Vision, Culture, and Championship Aspirations
The Edmonton Oilers entered the 2025 offseason with clarity. After another playoff run that fell just short of their ultimate goal, it became apparent that while the roster had the talent and the leadership core remained intact, there was still a missing ingredient—a layer of coaching support that could elevate the team’s execution and consistency in all areas of the game. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, alongside General Manager Ken Holland and the team’s senior leadership, approached the situation with precision and purpose.
“We knew exactly what we needed,” Knoblauch said during the team’s official media unveiling of the new coaching staff. “It wasn’t just about filling spots—it was about adding people who understand the modern game, who can communicate with players, and who can push us to the next level.”
That clarity has now translated into a fresh coaching configuration that Oilers brass believe will be pivotal in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. Joining Knoblauch’s staff are assistant coach Paul McFarland, goaltending coach Peter Aubry, and skills coach Conor Allen. Each brings a distinct set of experiences and philosophies that complement Knoblauch’s approach while addressing areas of the game that needed refinement.
Paul McFarland, perhaps the most high-profile of the additions, arrives with a reputation as a power-play tactician and detail-oriented communicator. Having previously held assistant coaching roles with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Seattle Kraken, McFarland is no stranger to high-pressure markets or elite offensive rosters. His ability to design fluid, creative special teams is expected to bolster an Oilers unit that has been dangerous but at times overly reliant on its superstars.
“We’ve already had some great discussions about our offensive schemes,” said Knoblauch. “Paul’s got a sharp mind. He sees things differently, and he’s not afraid to challenge ideas. That’s what we need.”
McFarland’s task will go beyond just refining systems; he’ll also be leaned on to develop Edmonton’s younger forwards and assist in balancing out the attack beyond Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evander Kane providing a solid veteran core, McFarland’s influence could prove pivotal in getting more out of depth players and up-and-coming prospects.
The goaltending department also received a significant upgrade with the hiring of Peter Aubry. A veteran of the AHL’s Chicago Wolves and formerly with the Philadelphia Flyers organization, Aubry has built a strong reputation for his analytical approach and his ability to connect with modern netminders. His hiring signals a shift toward a more personalized and data-driven goaltending philosophy in Edmonton.
The Oilers have invested heavily in their goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Joonas Korpisalo, and both will benefit from Aubry’s structured developmental methods. Skinner, in particular, showed flashes of brilliance last season but also struggled with stretches of inconsistency. The organization believes Aubry’s presence will help smooth out those peaks and valleys.
“Peter brings a calming influence and a real technical eye,” Knoblauch noted. “Goaltending is such a mental position. It’s not just about mechanics—it’s about mindset, preparation, and trust. Peter gets that.”
Equally intriguing is the addition of skills coach Conor Allen, a relatively young name in the coaching world but one who has made waves in developmental circles for his work with NHL and AHL players on puck control, skating efficiency, and situational awareness. A former defenseman who had a cup of coffee in the NHL, Allen brings a player’s perspective with a progressive edge.
His role won’t be confined to practices or off-day workouts. Allen is expected to work closely with both the defense and forward groups, tailoring drills and skill development routines for individual players based on in-game tracking data and performance analytics. His hiring reflects Edmonton’s growing commitment to not just short-term improvement but long-term player development.
“When you’re trying to go from good to great, the margins matter,” Knoblauch said. “Conor is going to help our guys find that extra one or two percent that could make the difference in a playoff series.”
Taken together, the trio of new hires represents a conscious shift in the Oilers’ coaching identity—one that blends traditional values with modern innovation. Where previous regimes may have relied heavily on veteran coaching resumes or name recognition, this staff was assembled with synergy, communication, and adaptability in mind.
The front office did their homework. Internal reviews after the season included feedback from players, input from the analytics department, and consultations with hockey operations staff to determine not just what roles needed filling, but what kind of personalities and philosophies would work best with Knoblauch at the helm.
The collaborative nature of the process impressed McDavid, who was kept in the loop on the organization’s direction. “It’s encouraging to see the thought that went into this,” McDavid said. “These are guys who aren’t just here to check boxes—they’re here to challenge us, to help us get better, and to push for a championship.”
Knoblauch, for his part, has grown into his role with poise and conviction. After taking over midseason in 2023–24 and leading the Oilers to a strong finish, he was officially given the reins heading into 2024–25. Now, with a full year under his belt and a staff he had a say in assembling, this is fully his team to mold. His background in the AHL and major junior ranks has given him a strong foundation in player development and communication—two traits that are reflected in the staff he now leads.
“We’re building something here,” Knoblauch said. “It’s not just about Xs and Os—it’s about culture, accountability, and trust. I wanted a staff that shared that vision.”
The Oilers’ approach this offseason echoes a broader trend across the NHL, where teams are moving away from traditional hierarchies and instead embracing coaching staffs with varied expertise and more collaborative dynamics. Specialization is increasingly seen as a strength rather than a fragmentation of authority, and Edmonton’s new hires fit squarely into that mold.
The new staff will face a quick learning curve, as the Oilers are set to open the 2025–26 season with a marquee matchup against the Calgary Flames on October 8. With preseason camp just around the corner, the focus now shifts to implementing systems, developing chemistry behind the bench, and laying the groundwork for a season with championship-level expectations.
“We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” Knoblauch said. “But I believe in our staff. I believe in this group of players. And I believe we’re ready to take the next step.”
The fanbase appears to agree. Social media reaction to the hires has been overwhelmingly positive, with many applauding the organization for avoiding complacency and instead addressing its weaknesses head-on. After years of playoff heartbreak and unmet expectations, Oilers fans are craving not just hope but a plan—and for the first time in a while, it feels like one is in place.
Of course, coaching hires don’t guarantee results. The NHL is a league defined by its parity, and even the most well-constructed staffs can fall short when the puck drops. But Edmonton’s calculated, forward-thinking approach suggests a maturity and seriousness of purpose that aligns with the team’s aspirations.
As the new staff settles in and the season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Oilers respond to the pressure—and whether the infusion of fresh voices behind the bench can finally push them over the top.
For Knoblauch, the message is simple. “We’ve been close. Now it’s about finishing the job. We brought in the people who can help us do that.”
And with a roster built to win, a city aching for a championship, and a staff fully aligned on the mission, the Oilers are officially all in.
