Oilers Make Long-Awaited Coaching Overhaul, Hire Three New Assistants Including Former Blackhawks Goalie Coach Peter Aubry to Fix Net Issues

The Edmonton Oilers have officially turned the page on a critical aspect of their roster development with a long-anticipated revamp of their coaching staff. On Monday morning, the organization announced the hiring of three new coaches, headlined by the addition of veteran goaltending coach Peter Aubry. The moves signal a clear intention from the front office and head coach Kris Knoblauch: the time for waiting is over—Edmonton is going all-in on solving its long-standing inconsistencies in player development and defensive structure, particularly in the crease.

For Oilers fans, it’s a breath of fresh air. After a promising postseason run in 2024 that fell just short of a Stanley Cup Final appearance, the team once again saw its goaltending depth exposed on the biggest stage. With championship aspirations still burning, and a roster led by generational talent Connor McDavid and perennial all-star Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers know the clock is ticking.

“We knew exactly what we needed,” Knoblauch said on Monday. “This wasn’t about shuffling the deck. This was about addressing core areas that needed elite expertise. We needed a fresh voice for our goaltenders, a different dynamic in our player development structure, and coaches who align with how we want to play.”

That fresh voice in the goalie room will be Peter Aubry, a respected figure in professional hockey circles for his meticulous, data-driven approach to goaltending. Aubry spent seven seasons (2015–2022) with the Chicago Blackhawks organization, overseeing the progression of netminders across various levels, from the AHL up to the NHL. Known for his work with players like Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen, Aubry played a key part in stabilizing the Blackhawks’ crease during turbulent roster transitions.

In Edmonton, he steps into one of the most scrutinized positions in hockey. The Oilers’ goaltending has been a sore spot for years, despite investments in high-profile acquisitions like Jack Campbell and the emergence of Stuart Skinner. The inconsistency and lack of reliable depth have left the team vulnerable in key moments. Aubry’s arrival offers hope that Edmonton can finally establish a pipeline of NHL-ready goaltending talent.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, not just in working with goalies at the NHL level but in building them from the ground up,” said Oilers general manager Ken Holland. “We need that type of structure and continuity in our goaltending program.”

Aubry’s presence also aligns with the franchise’s renewed commitment to internal development. The Oilers have invested heavily in scouting and player development in recent years, and the coaching moves announced Monday seem to be an extension of that philosophy.

Alongside Aubry, the Oilers have also brought in two additional assistant coaches—names that, while not yet confirmed publicly, are expected to support player development and special teams execution. Both hires are believed to be tacticians with strong reputations for innovation and communication, key traits in today’s ever-evolving NHL landscape.

It’s a bold strategy that mirrors what several elite teams across the league have done in recent years—transitioning from traditionalist coaching models toward more specialized, collaborative structures. For the Oilers, who are increasingly embracing analytics and performance science, this move feels like a natural evolution.

“We’ve watched what teams like Colorado and Carolina have done,” Knoblauch noted. “They don’t just have coaches—they have coaching units. Each assistant is a specialist. That’s where we’re headed. You need that to win today.”

The timing couldn’t be more crucial. The Oilers are expected to be one of the favorites to contend in the 2025-26 season, but that window is narrowing. With McDavid and Draisaitl now both approaching their 30s, the urgency to maximize each season grows more intense.

And then there’s the looming salary cap pressure. The Oilers have made several financial commitments over the past two offseasons, locking in key pieces of their blue line and adding veteran depth. That means future success will rely even more heavily on the development of younger, cheaper talent—particularly in goal.

That’s where Aubry’s value may prove most critical. The Oilers have promising prospects in the pipeline, including Olivier Rodrigue and Ryan Fanti. But without proper guidance and NHL-caliber coaching support, that potential has too often gone untapped. Aubry’s hire is designed to change that.

“We need goalies that come up through our system, not ones we keep overpaying for in free agency,” Holland said. “That means investing in the right coach, and Peter is absolutely the right guy.”

Beyond goaltending, the new coaching additions are also expected to influence Edmonton’s overall defensive posture. One of the assistant coaches reportedly joining Knoblauch’s staff has a background in structured, puck-possession systems that emphasize efficient breakouts and neutral zone control—areas where the Oilers have sometimes struggled during playoff series.

In the past, Edmonton has leaned heavily on its offensive stars to compensate for lapses in defensive organization. The philosophy has led to thrilling regular-season performances, but it has also exposed flaws in high-stakes games against more balanced teams like Vegas and Dallas. The new staff’s input could mark a shift toward a more complete team identity.

“It’s about learning how to win different kinds of games,” Knoblauch added. “We know we can play fast and skillful hockey. But when it’s 2-1 in the third period of a Game 6, you need every inch of your structure to hold.”

Monday’s announcement is also significant because of what it represents culturally within the Oilers organization. For years, the franchise has been accused of leaning too heavily on familiar names and internal promotions. Critics argued that the team needed fresh blood and outside voices unburdened by the Oilers’ storied—but sometimes stifling—past.

By going out and hiring respected external figures like Aubry, the Oilers are showing a willingness to change, to adapt, and to be proactive rather than reactive. It’s a message not just to the locker room but to the entire league.

“We’re serious about winning,” Knoblauch said firmly. “And we’re not going to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results.”

The reaction from Oilers fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Within hours of the announcement, social media buzzed with excitement. Supporters praised the organization for addressing the goaltending issue head-on and for signaling a clear break from old habits.

Still, the true test lies ahead. Coaching changes are easy to announce and even easier to praise in July. What matters most is whether the hires translate into wins when the puck drops in October—and, more importantly, whether they help the Oilers take that elusive final step in May and June.

There’s no question the team has the talent to do it. The top-end skill is unmatched. But now, with a retooled coaching staff and a renewed focus on details, development, and discipline, Edmonton may finally be putting the final puzzle pieces in place.

“Change was overdue,” Holland concluded. “Now it’s up to us to make it work.”

If Peter Aubry and the new assistants can deliver what’s expected of them, Oil Country may soon be celebrating more than just offseason headlines. They could finally be on the path to delivering the Stanley Cup parade fans have waited decades to see.