By all reports, the Oilers are preparing to make a change in their goalie coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season…***Full Details…***
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s unfolding behind the scenes with the Edmonton Oilers as they gear up for next season — covering the goalie coach change, what it means for the team, and the broader goals of reshaping their crease performance.
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🥅 1. What triggered the goalie coach shake‑up?
a) Time is up for long‑tenured Dustin Schwartz
Tenure matters: Dustin Schwartz has served as the Oilers’ goaltending coach since around 2014–15, inheriting the role in the wake of Frédéric Chabot’s departure .
Numerous goalies, inconsistent results: During his decade-long run, a carousel of netminders—Stuart Skinner, Cam Talbot, Mike Smith, Jack Campbell, Calvin Pickard, Mikko Koskinen, Laurent Brossoit—went through the system. Yet true stability at the position never materialized .
b) Playoff letdowns amplify pressure
Both Skinner and Pickard failed to provide consistent performances during the playoffs. Skinner struggled in key moments, and while Pickard performed decently as backup, neither inspired full confidence .
NHL analyst Ray Ferraro was blunt: “I don’t think you can go back with the same goaltending” and urged Edmonton to recalibrate their crease strategy .
c) On‑ice reality meets cap reality
The goaltending market is both tight and costly. Fan favorite Elliotte Friedman noted that trading for a new goalie is far less feasible financially than reshaping the coaching staff .
GM Stan Bowman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing internal adjustments (like coaching changes) could be more prudent amid cap constraints .
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🔄 2. The move is confirmed: Schwartz has been let go
Insider reports from Hockey Latest, Yardbarker, and others confirm Dustin Schwartz has already been dismissed, marking one definitive change to the Oilers’ coaching lineup .
This decision is part of a broader operational rebuild: several assistants are up for contract renewal, head coach Kris Knoblauch is nearing the end of his deal, and the team is said to be in “intense discussions to bring in fresh coaching strategies” .
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🎯 3. What the Oilers are targeting in a new goalie coach
a) Fresh perspective and proven pedigree
They seem to be seeking a coach with a track record of refining promising goalies—someone ideally versed in developing starters in high-caliber environments.
b) A balance of technical and mental development
Following goaltending’s inconsistent reactions in big moments, the new coach must bring both stylistic finesse and psychological fortitude to the position.
c) Better alignment with overarching system
Edmonton wants someone who can integrate with Knoblauch’s system, something Schwartz struggled to achieve consistently.
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📰 4. The bigger picture: goaltending beyond coaching
a) Backup goalie change on the horizon
In parallel, the team publicly signaled plans to retool their backup situation. Though Calvin Pickard provided admirable service (.903 save percentage in 59 games under Bowman’s management perspective), the Oilers feel a fresh presence could stabilize creases and reduce “net uncertainty” .
GM Bowman acknowledged “nothing has made sense yet” in free agency but stressed they’re considering all options, from retaining the current pair to making new additions .
b) Free agency and tight margins
Most quality free-agent goalies—Alexander Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, James Reimer—have sub-.900 save percentages or higher GAAs, limiting top-tier options .
As a result, instead of splurging, the Oilers appear leaning toward a cost-effective strategy: coaching overhaul + a role adjustment—possibly keeping Stuart Skinner as the starter and rotating Pickard or a cheaper alternative.
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🧩 5. Coaching changes as a blueprint for evolution
While goaltending is clearly a hot-button topic, Edmonton is simultaneously pursuing broader staff development:
They’ve indicated plans to add a specialized skills coach, deepen support for player development, and overhaul assistant coaches across various positions .
With Knoblauch’s deal expiring next season, aligning the coaching hierarchy around a unified vision becomes critical. Snyder changes at the goalie coach level are seen as step one in a wider revamp.
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🗣️ 6. Reaction from fans and pundits
Fan base sentiment
Social media and fan forums (like r/EdmontonOilers) have become a chorus calling for Schwartz’s removal—with slogans like “Fire Dustin Schwartz now!” becoming commonplace .
Analyst commentary
Ray Ferraro and Elliotte Friedman continue to stress that sticking to the current setup is unsustainable. The coaching change, in their eyes, lacks glamour—but is likely the Oilers’ most feasible corrective measure .
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✅ 7. What to expect next
1. Search and hire: GM Bowman and Knoblauch are already evaluating candidates, likely eyeing experienced goalie coaches from winning organizations. Expect this to solidify well before training camp starts.
2. Backup goalie decision: They’re weighing whether to re-sign Pickard or pursue someone new. A small deal on a secondary netminder could offer more cap flexibility.
3. On-ice progress: Hockey Canada and team insiders suggest the new coach will bring tweaks in skating technique, rebound control, and mental resiliency.
4. Final staff shake-up: This is merely the opening salvo; assistant coaches across offense, defense, and special teams may also be on notice or invited to reapply for their roles.
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🚀 8. Implications for next season
For Skinner: A fresh coach could unlock the next level in his game, making him the franchise cornerstone.
For Pickard or his successor: A new coach could stabilize backup duties and provide consistent, competent relief during the season.
For the team: Fixing the net could tip the scales in tight playoff series. With Edmonton’s offense locked in, consistency in crease performance might be the missing piece to a championship run.
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✔️ Final take
Change is real: Schwartz is gone; a new goalie coach is imminent.
Financial constraints persist, so this is a smart, budget-conscious move.
The Oilers are thinking holistically—goaltending is the starting point, but not the only corner being turned.
This isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a strategic, necessary step. The crease has been Edmonton’s Achilles heel; this shift shows they’re serious about addressing it from the ground up. If their next hire hits the mark, we may see a more confident, technically sound goalie tandem ready to take the next step.
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Let me know if you’d like a detailed breakdown of potential coaching candidates or how specific goalie coach styles have influenced NHL teams in recent years!