Latest news with #PaulMcFarland
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Will going "off the board" with new coaches cause the Edmonton Oilers to hit or miss their ultimate target
The Edmonton Oilers have re-vamped their coaching staff. The Cult of Hockey's David Staples writes about the breaking news from this (Monday) morning as well as some reaction to it, here. In addition to David's work, here are some more basics along with context and quotes from Head Coach Kris Knoblauch: Paul Coffey is not returning as Defence coach, returning instead to his previous role upstairs. 'We'll still have conversations with Paul, and Paul will still give us his insight on how the team is playing and what we could be doing'. Assistant Coach Mark Stuart had his contract extended and his duties expanded to include the Defence corps in addition to the Penalty Kill. Kris Knoblauch spoke to the fact that in between good runs the kill struggled mightily at times this past season: 'There will be changes to our system, (and) we will be doing things a little bit differently'. Paul McFarland will join Knoblauch behind the bench, help coach the forwards and be responsible for the much-vaunted Oilers Power Play: 'Just the fact that he has been running an NHL power play for many years, started in Toronto, Florida and then Seattle'. McFarland coached the WHL's Calgary Hitmen last year. He had previous OHL experience in Kingston and Oshawa, where he and Knoblauch coached against one another. They also briefly coached together for Hockey Canada. And a new Goalie Coach also arrives in the person of Peter Aubry from Omaha and Division I College. Aubry also has eight years of experience in the Chicago organization as a developmental coach. Obviously, G.M. Stan Bowman has a take on his abilities. Here is Knoblauch's: 'He'll be able to push those guys and uh…you know, bring a different perspective and hopefully you know elevate them to get those to play at their best more often'. Finally, Connor Allen is the new Team Skills coach. Some big picture thoughts: -It is highly appropriate for Kris Knoblauch to put his own stamp on his coaching staff. He had inherited practically everyone. But having coached the club to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals appearances, he has earned the right. -Having one less coach on the bench is significant. One less set of eyes, yes, but also one less voice that might complicate communication, between the staff yes but also between staff and players. I think this point may be a hidden benefit. There is an old saying 'nothing kills greatness like consensus'. -I believe Glen Gulutzan would have been back had he not gotten the Dallas job. A loss for the organization, but you have to be happy for Gulutzan. His are easily the biggest shoes (or skates, I guess) to fill. McFarland's advantage is that the same elite players are available to deploy. His enthusiasm should be a plus. His record while guiding Seattle's Man Advantage was not great, in the mid-twenties in terms of Expected Goals. To be fair, it was also with talent much inferior to Edmonton's. -The 'loudest' position being filled today is undoubtably with the goaltending. I saw no meaningful improvements available in free agency. Getting the promise you already possess in Stuart Skinner to be more consistent is now job one. The organization has decided against 'tried and true' NHL experience. Aubry has worked with the likes of Anton Forsberg, Kevin Lankinen and Arvid Soderbloom. So, let's see how it goes for him here. -Paul Coffey's contribution in terms of experience and the freeing effect he had on the D-corps to make plays and move the puck more consistently were big pluses. But I also feel a different voice and approach is the correct next step. The mere lack of Coffey's physical presence on the bench and in the room is meaningful. -But I do not mind how 'fresh' these selections are. These are not 'been there, done that' guys that just keep being recycled from team to team. McFarland is not yet forty. It is Aubry's first mainstream NHL gig (after lots of AHL time). Maybe he can come at this with fresh eyes and ideas. All these guys should be hungry and motivated. -One reservation I do have is that there will not be a man on the bench in addition to Knoblauch that has NHL Head Coaching experience. Not that Kris needs it, specifically. I just tend to think that all coaches find it helpful. Will these changes get the Oilers over the top, in terms of their Stanley Cup aspirations? Only time will tell. But we all know what the definition of insanity is…right? Now on Bluesky @ Also, find me on Threads @kleavins, Twitter @KurtLeavins, Instagram at LeavinsOnHockey, and Mastodon at KurtLeavins@ This article is not AI generated. STAPLES: What (if anything) the Edmonton Oilers should do about Carter Hart LEAVINS: Which of thee Oilers prospects will make the biggest impact Bruce McCurdy, 1955-2025. Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
National Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Calgary Hitmen lose head coach to NHL's Edmonton Oilers
The Calgary Hitmen are on the hunt for a new head coach. Article content After one campaign as bench boss for the Western Hockey League squad, Paul McFarland is moving a few hours north to join the NHL's Edmonton Oilers as an assistant on Kris Knoblauch's staff. Article content Article content Some offers are too good to pass up — like the opportunity to oversee a power-play unit that features the starry likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Article content Article content McFarland, 39, has six seasons of NHL experience. He has previously been an assistant in Florida, Toronto and Seattle, running the man-advantage on each of those stops. Article content 'We extend our sincere thanks to Paul for his leadership and the positive impact he made during his time with the Hitmen,' the WHL team said in a release Monday. Article content With McFarland at the helm, the Hitmen rolled to a 45-17-6 record in the 2024-25 campaign, finishing third in the overall standings with 96 points. They were considered a top contender for the WHL title, but were eliminated by the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the second round of the playoffs. Article content The Oilers came calling after Glen Gulutzan — another familiar name around the Saddledome — was hired by the Dallas Stars. Article content 'I have a lot of respect for Paul. I think he's an excellent coach,' said Knoblauch, who has led the Oilers to two straight trips to the Stanley Cup final, after Monday's announcement. 'My time knowing him has gone back to coaching against him in the Ontario Hockey League and I also coached with him for a short period of time with Hockey Canada. Article content Article content 'I know a lot of coaches who are familiar with him, have spent a lot of time with him, and have a lot of respect for him. He's a hard-working guy, brings a lot of enthusiasm to work. I think those are good attributes to bring to our team. And just the fact that he's been running an NHL power-play for many years … The success that he had with those good power-plays in Toronto and Florida, I believe he'll be able to bring that over and have a good, strong working relationship with the players that we have on our team right now.' Article content
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Edmonton Oilers hire Paul McFarland to revamp power play for Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl
Image via @westernhockeyleague/Instagram The Edmonton Oilers aren't standing pat this offseason. Looking to get more out of an already loaded offense, they've brought in Paul McFarland as an assistant coach to take over the power play and offensive schemes. It's a familiar move in the NHL—find a specialist to maximize star power. For Edmonton, it's about giving Connor McDavid , Leon Draisaitl , and the rest of the core the right structure to break through when it matters. Alongside McFarland, the Oilers have also added Peter Aubry as goalie coach and Conor Allen to work on skills development, signaling a broader commitment to fine-tuning the details. Can Paul McFarland deliver the power-play breakthrough the Edmonton Oilers need to chase the Stanley Cup ? Paul McFarland's career has taken a winding path through the hockey world, giving him mix of junior development experience and NHL bench time. He first got his NHL break with the Florida Panthers , working two seasons under head coach Bob Boughner. That staff also included Jack Capuano and Ben Cooper, offering McFarland a chance to carve out his role running offensive systems at the highest level. But he was no stranger to coaching before that. McFarland had already led the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL and worked with Team Canada at the U-17 level and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial, getting an up-close look at the next wave of talent. It was the kind of background that helped him build a reputation for teaching and development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elevate Business Writing With This Desktop App Grammarly Learn More Undo After Florida, McFarland joined the Toronto Maple Leafs for a season as an assistant coach. That's where he first worked alongside Dave Hakstol. Their connection would come full circle when Hakstol got the nod to be the inaugural head coach of the Seattle Kraken and brought McFarland with him. Coaching an expansion team is never easy, but it was another NHL chapter for a coach who has never shied away from new challenges. When he left Seattle, McFarland went back to junior hockey, taking the head coaching role with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Even though it was a short stint, it kept him connected to teaching the game at its developmental core—a trait that Oilers management clearly values. Now in Edmonton, McFarland will be tasked with getting the most out of a power play unit that already features McDavid, Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard. It's not about reinventing the wheel so much as fine-tuning the machine to run when it matters most. What Paul McFarland's NHL power-play plan means for the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup dreams By adding Paul McFarland, the Oilers are betting that a fresh voice with a deep background in offense can help unlock even more from one of the NHL's most talented rosters. The hires of Peter Aubry and Conor Allen show the team's serious about building a complete staff, not just for the stars but for every detail. It's another step in Edmonton's pursuit of the Cup—and it'll be worth watching how this new coaching mix shapes the season ahead. Also Read: Nathan MacKinnon stuns Cole Harbour hockey camp with surprise visit, igniting big-league dreams For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Kraken Assistant Coach Joining Oilers Staff
Seattle Kraken Assistant Coach Paul McFarland discusses a play with players during a time-out against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images The Edmonton Oilers have hired former Seattle Kraken assistant coach Paul McFarland as an assistant coach. McFarland, 39, joined the Kraken coaching staff in 2021, spending three seasons with the organization before accepting a head coaching job with the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. Advertisement Dave Hakstol, who served as the Kraken's head coach for the same three seasons McFarland spent with the team, brought McFarland to the organization after the pair worked together with the Toronto Maple Leafs. With the Maple Leafs, Hakstol and McFarland worked as assistant coaches. Throughout his coaching career, McFarland hasn't had much longevity with a franchise. His three seasons with the Kraken are equal to the three seasons he spent as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL. McFarland did return to the Frontenacs before joining the Kraken staff, but that came after spending two seasons with the Florida Panthers and one season with the Maple Leafs. With the Kraken, McFarland took charge of the offence and the power play, and he is expected to do the same with the Oilers. Now, he'll have Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard at his disposal. Kraken Hand Out A Pair Of Promotions Within Player Development Staff Kraken Hand Out A Pair Of Promotions Within Player Development Staff The Seattle Kraken have elevated Cory Murphy to Director of Player Development and Justin Rai to Head of Player Strategy.
CBC
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Hall of Fame blueliner Paul Coffey will not return as Oilers assistant coach
Hall of Fame defenceman Paul Coffey will not be behind the Edmonton Oilers bench next season, and the NHL club is moving on from goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz. The Oilers announced the moves Monday, which included the addition of Paul McFarland, Peter Aubry and Conor Allen to their coaching staff. Aubrey takes over as goaltending coach, while McFarland will serve as an assistant coach, and Allen will handle team skills. The club said Coffey will return to his role as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations after having a more hands-on role last season, working with the defence as assistant coach. His role on the bench will be filled by the 39-year-old McFarland, who spent last season as head coach of the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen. He makes his return to the NHL after working as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken for three seasons (2021-24). He also spent time as an assistant with the Florida Panthers (2017-19) and Toronto Maple Leafs (2019-20). Schwartz had been Edmonton's goaltending coach since 2014. While the Oilers made it to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals over the past two years, the inconsistent play of their goaltenders in the post-season became an area of concern. They will aim for more stability under the 48-year-old Aubry, who spent two seasons as an associate coach at Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA). He spent eight seasons (2015-16 to 2023-24) as the Chicago Blackhawks' developmental goaltending coach as well as the goaltending coach for the team's AHL affiliate in Rockford. Allen, 35, spent last season with the United States' U17 team and has also recently worked in a skill development role with the Sioux City Musketeers.
