Two straight Stanley Cup Final losses. That’s what led Kris Knoblauch to make one of the hardest decisions of his coaching career. The Edmonton Oilers head coach didn’t mince words when explaining why Peter Aubry is now the team’s goaltending coach, replacing Dustin Schwartz after another heartbreaking defeat to the Florida Panthers.
Why Did Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch Replace Edmonton’s Goaltending Coach?
During a recent press conference, Edmonton Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch was direct about the change in direction. He acknowledged that while the team’s goaltending showed moments of brilliance, it wasn’t consistent enough in crucial stretches.
“It was a difficult decision to make, but we are looking to make our goaltenders better. There were times they were exceptional, but other times not as much,” Knoblauch explained. “I think Peter is ready for this opportunity to help our goalies.”
“It was a difficult decision to make, but we are looking to make our goaltenders better. There were times they were exceptional, but other times not as much. I think Peter is ready for this opportunity to help our goalies,” Knoblauch on Aubry as new goalie coach.
— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) July 14, 2025
The timing of this move speaks volumes. After falling short against the Panthers for the second consecutive year, Edmonton’s front office made clear they weren’t willing to stand pat. Both Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard had inconsistent postseason performances, which played a role in Edmonton falling short in back-to-back years.
Skinner was pulled multiple times during the playoffs, while Pickard’s numbers were solid but not game-changing. The Oilers are banking on Aubry to elevate the play of both goaltenders.
Aubry brings experience from both college and professional hockey. Most recently, he served as associate coach at collegiate program Nebraska-Omaha and previously spent eight seasons in the Chicago Blackhawks organization, working primarily in goaltending development.
Knoblauch believes Aubry’s new voice and approach could make a difference. “Hopefully, he’ll get those guys to play at their best more often,” he said.
How Is Edmonton’s Entire Coaching Staff Changing?
The goaltending switch wasn’t the only move Edmonton made. The Oilers announced additional hires that reshape their coaching staff for the 2025-26 NHL season.
Paul McFarland was brought in to oversee the power play, replacing Glen Gulutzan, who took the head coaching job in Dallas. Conor Allen was added as a skills coach, while assistant Mark Stuart will now manage the defense, taking over for Hall of Famer Paul Coffey. Coffey will continue in an advisory role.
“We wanted to wait until the process was done so we knew exactly what we were going to need,” Knoblauch said. He also noted that Coffey’s insight would still be valuable as the organization moves forward.
Beyond the coaching changes, the Oilers also made moves on the roster. With Evander Kane, Connor Brown, and Jeff Skinner no longer in the mix, Edmonton signed Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar. They also acquired Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard and are expecting him and fellow prospect Matt Savoie to push for NHL roles.
After falling just short again, the Oilers hope their coaching shakeup and infusion of youth can finally help them clear the last hurdle. While fans and analysts continue to debate whether goaltending is truly the core issue, Edmonton’s front office made clear that they weren’t willing to stand pat.
