The Edmonton Oilers have strengthened their coaching staff by bringing in Paul McFarland as an assistant coach, Peter Aubry to handle goaltending duties, and….See more…..
In a calculated move aimed at maximizing performance and deepening expertise, the Edmonton Oilers have officially strengthened their coaching staff with several key additions. The club announced the hiring of Paul McFarland as an assistant coach, Peter Aubry as the new goaltending coach, and Jim Playfair returning in a player development advisory role.
These appointments mark a pivotal step as the Oilers prepare for a 2025 season loaded with expectations, following back-to-back playoff runs that fell just short of Stanley Cup glory.
Paul McFarland joins the Oilers’ bench with an impressive résumé and a proven ability to spark offensive creativity. Known for his previous stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers, McFarland is particularly credited with developing elite power-play units and helping young stars reach their potential.
In 2018-2019, while with the Panthers, McFarland oversaw a top-10 NHL power play, helping the team break several franchise scoring records. His ability to blend high-tempo offensive systems with structure and discipline is expected to complement the star-studded Oilers lineup, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke highly of McFarland during the official announcement.
Paul has a brilliant hockey mind and brings a modern offensive philosophy that we believe fits perfectly with the talent we have in this room. He’ll have a major voice on our special teams.
In a crucial upgrade to the goaltending department, the Oilers have brought in Peter Aubry, a highly regarded goaltending coach with over a decade of experience developing netminders at the professional and collegiate levels.
Aubry most recently served in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs, affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks, where he helped mentor and develop several goalies who went on to become NHL regulars. His work with younger talent and focus on fundamentals, positioning, and mental sharpness is seen as a vital asset as the Oilers look to solidify their goaltending stability.
With Jack Campbell looking to rebound and Stuart Skinner continuing to grow into a starter’s role, Aubry’s presence will be instrumental.
> “Goaltending is such a mentally demanding position,” said GM Ken Holland. “Peter brings calm, precision, and experience. We’re confident he’ll help our goalies elevate to the next level.
Rounding out the coaching changes, veteran coach Jim Playfair returns to the organization in a new role — as Player Development and Defensive Systems Advisor. Playfair, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Oilers from 2019 to 2022, brings decades of coaching wisdom and will work primarily behind the scenes to assist in scouting, analytics integration, and mentoring young defensemen across all levels.
His understanding of the team’s culture and his defensive knowledge will serve as a steady hand as the Oilers continue to blend veteran leadership with emerging blue-line talent.
These strategic coaching additions underscore the Oilers’ commitment to refining every area of their game in pursuit of a Stanley Cup. After falling short in the Western Conference Finals in 2024, management has made it clear that settling for “almost” is no longer acceptable.
With McFarland energizing the offense and power play, Aubry elevating the goaltending corps, and Playfair guiding long-term development, the Oilers appear more prepared than ever to take the final step.
> “We’re not just looking to compete — we’re looking to win it all,” said captain Connor McDavid. “And moves like these show that the organization means business.”
As training camp approaches, Oilers fans have every reason to believe that 2025 could finally be the year Edmonton raises Lord Stanley’s Cup once again.