The Oilers added Paul McFarland (assistant coach), Peter Aubry (goalie coach), and Conor Allen (skills coach) to their staff, aiming to boost team strategy, goaltending, and player development.
The Edmonton Oilers continue to position themselves as a serious Stanley Cup contender with strategic upgrades to their coaching staff. Recently, the organization announced the addition of three key figures: Paul McFarland as assistant coach, Peter Aubry as goaltending coach, and Conor Allen as skills coach. These hires reflect a well-rounded approach to player development, tactical refinement, and specialized skill enhancement—aiming to elevate the team’s performance on multiple fronts.
This article explores the backgrounds of these hires, their anticipated roles within the Oilers, the strategic rationale behind their recruitment, and the broader implications for the team’s competitive trajectory.
The Context: Why the Oilers Are Investing in Coaching
In the highly competitive landscape of the NHL, teams recognize that success hinges not only on star power but also on the quality of coaching staff and organizational culture. Edmonton’s core, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is among the most talented in the league. However, to capitalize on this talent and push further in the playoffs, the organization understands the importance of strategic coaching, player development, and technical refinement.
Recent seasons have exposed some weaknesses—particularly in defensive play, consistency, and goaltending—that coaching staff changes aim to address. The addition of specialized coaches like Aubry and Allen indicates a targeted approach to improve specific facets of team performance, while McFarland’s experience as an assistant coach brings strategic depth.
Paul McFarland: The Strategic Assistant Coach
Background and Experience
Paul McFarland has established himself as a respected assistant coach in the NHL, known for his work in player development, tactical innovation, and team systems. Before joining the Oilers, McFarland served as an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers (2019–2022), where he was instrumental in implementing offensive strategies and helping develop young players.
Prior to his NHL tenure, McFarland gained experience in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, serving as head coach from 2018 to 2019, and as an assistant coach with the Marlies and other developmental teams. His coaching philosophy emphasizes high-intensity systems, skill development, and adaptability—traits that align well with Edmonton’s aspirations.
Role and Impact
In Edmonton, McFarland’s primary responsibilities will likely include assisting head coach Jay Woodcroft in strategizing game plans, refining team tactics, and fostering player development—particularly for emerging talents and depth players. His experience with offensive systems could help maximize the team’s scoring potential, especially by improving transition play and special teams.
Given Edmonton’s offensive firepower, McFarland’s strategic input can help create more scoring opportunities and improve defensive consistency without sacrificing offensive creativity. His background working with young players also supports the organization’s focus on developing prospects and integrating emerging talent into the NHL lineup.
Strategic Rationale
Bringing in McFarland signals a desire to enhance tactical flexibility and modernize the team’s approach. His expertise in fast-paced, skill-oriented hockey aligns with the team’s core strengths, and his experience working with young players complements Edmonton’s pipeline of prospects. His addition aims to create a more cohesive, adaptable, and high-tempo team that can succeed in the playoffs’ physical and tactical challenges.
Peter Aubry: The Goaltending Specialist
Background and Experience
Peter Aubry is one of the NHL’s most respected goalie coaches, with extensive experience working with NHL goalies and a reputation for technical refinement and mental resilience training. Most notably, Aubry served as the Chicago Blackhawks’ goalie coach from 2015 to 2022, working with elite netminders such as Corey Crawford, Malcolm Subban, and Scott Darling.
Aubry’s approach emphasizes biomechanics, tracking data, and tailored mental strategies—tools that help goalies improve technical consistency and mental toughness, especially during high-stakes playoff games.
Role and Impact
Aubry’s primary role is to develop Edmonton’s goaltenders, including Jack Campbell, Stuart Skinner, and potential future prospects. His focus will be on refining technical skills, analyzing game data to identify weaknesses, and fostering mental resilience to withstand playoff pressure.
Given the inconsistency that has sometimes plagued Oilers’ goaltending, Aubry’s expertise offers a pathway to more reliable netminding. His work can help goalies better read plays, improve positioning, and handle the mental demands of the game—all critical factors in playoff success.
Strategic Rationale
The Oilers’ recent playoff exits have often been attributed to goaltending struggles. Aubry’s hiring demonstrates a clear organizational priority: investing in specialized, high-level coaching to elevate their goaltenders’ performance. This move aims not just for incremental improvements but for a transformative effect that can turn the position into a true strength for Edmonton.
Conor Allen: The Skills Coach
Background and Experience
Conor Allen is a highly regarded skills coach with a background in player development, skating, puck handling, and overall technical proficiency. Having worked with multiple NHL organizations and development programs, Allen specializes in enhancing players’ individual skill sets to elevate their overall game.
His expertise includes working with forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders on skating mechanics, puck control, shooting accuracy, and decision-making under pressure.
Role and Impact
Allen’s role with the Oilers will focus on individual skill development, working closely with prospects, young players, and established roster members. His focus on technical refinement and confidence-building can help players perform more consistently and adapt to the team’s tactical schemes.
By improving individual skills, Allen can help Edmonton’s players gain a competitive edge in tight games and playoff situations where small technical advantages can make a difference.
Strategic Rationale
In a league where skill and speed are paramount, Allen’s addition underscores the Oilers’ commitment to technical excellence. His work can help players fine-tune their mechanics, improve decision-making, and elevate their overall hockey IQ—a vital factor for sustained success.
The Broader Implications for Edmonton
The combined addition of McFarland, Aubry, and Allen reflects a holistic approach to team improvement. Their diverse expertise covers strategic planning, goaltending, and individual skills—creating an integrated support system that addresses multiple layers of team performance.
