The Edmonton Oilers and their coaching staff, led by Kris Knoblauch, have made significant changes after back-to-back losses to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. The overall context has raised doubts about Connor McDavid’s future with the team beyond the 2025–26 NHL season.
After a campaign in which the Oilers reached the Final but fell short of winning the trophy, the organization evaluated various areas of its technical structure. Focusing especially on roster construction and system development, they prioritized a comprehensive review heading into next season, without publicly blaming specific players.
With McDavid still undecided on a potential contract extension and attracting most of the attention, the Oilers have also turned their focus to the goaltending position. Clear signs of deficiencies and the decline in Stuart Skinner’s performance, along with worrying statistics in critical situations, prompted Knoblauch to speak up.
What did Knoblauch say about the Oilers’ goalies?
“There were times where [our goalies] were exceptional and there were other times where we were wanting a little bit more from them,” Knoblauch said, according to NHL.com’s Derek Van Diest. His stance reflects a self-critical approach regarding the goaltending position.
Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on from the bench against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
For now, Edmonton has not made changes in net, keeping Skinner and Calvin Pickard as their goaltending duo. However, changes have taken place within Knoblauch’s staff. Goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz did not receive a contract extension and has parted ways with the franchise.
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Who is the Oilers’ new goaltending coach?
The Oilers’ new goaltending coach is Peter Aubry, who will be tasked with helping Skinner find his best form heading into next season. Edmonton’s tactical overhaul also aims to create the right environment to convince McDavid to stay with the team in the near future.
