░E░D░M░O░N░T░O░N░ ░A░L░B░E░R░T░A░: The Edmonton Oilers are undergoing major changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming NHL season. The organization has officially announced that Hall of Fame defenceman Paul Coffey will not return behind the bench, and longtime goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz has also been relieved of his duties.
Paul Coffey, one of the greatest defencemen in NHL history and a four-time Stanley Cup champion, joined the Oilers bench midway through the 2023–24 season as a special advisor and assistant coach. Known for his elite skating and offensive instincts during his playing career, Coffey was brought in to help guide Edmonton’s young blue line and provide leadership during a crucial stretch of the season. His presence brought a respected voice to the locker room and a championship pedigree that aligned with the organization’s high expectations.
Although Coffey’s contributions were valued, the Oilers have decided to move in a new direction for their coaching staff. The decision reflects the team’s desire to restructure and find a staff that can help them break through in the playoffs and contend for the Stanley Cup. While Coffey won’t be behind the bench, there’s a possibility he could remain involved with the organization in an off-ice capacity, as he has held advisory roles in the past.
Meanwhile, the departure of Dustin Schwartz marks the end of a significant chapter in the Oilers’ goaltending development program. Schwartz had served as Edmonton’s goaltending coach since 2014 and was a central figure in mentoring multiple generations of goalies, including Cam Talbot, Mikko Koskinen, Mike Smith, and more recently, Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell. While the Oilers had moments of solid goaltending under Schwartz, inconsistency in the crease—especially in critical playoff situations—has led to ongoing scrutiny and ultimately, a change.
The decision to part ways with Schwartz underlines the Oilers’ urgent need to improve their defensive and goaltending structure. With a team built around offensive juggernauts like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton has frequently found itself in high-scoring games, often relying on its forwards to compensate for defensive lapses. A revamped coaching approach is expected to focus more on structural stability, defensive accountability, and consistent goaltending support.
General Manager Ken Holland and head coach Kris Knoblauch are expected to begin the search for replacements immediately. The new hires will be tasked with bringing a fresh perspective to a team that is under pressure to win now. The Oilers’ championship window is wide open, but it requires the right mix of coaching, leadership, and depth to turn potential into hardware.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter, these coaching decisions are seen as pivotal steps toward pushing the team beyond playoff frustrations and into true contention. With the core talent firmly in place, all eyes will be on how the bench is restructured—and whether it can deliver the ultimate prize that has eluded the franchise since 1990.
Stay tuned as the Oilers continue to reshape their future with bold decisions behind the scenes in pursuit of hockey’s greatest goal.