Edmonton – Whispers from inside the Edmonton Oilers' camp suggest that the team's previous coaching alignment wasn't as harmonious as it appeared. Following a season of significant changes behind the bench, including Paul Coffey's transition from assistant coach to advisor and Glen Gulutzan's departure to become head coach of the Dallas Stars, questions are being raised about the internal dynamics of the coaching staff.

Hall of Famer Paul Coffey, who stepped back from his assistant coaching role in July 2025 to return to an advisory position, may have had a more significant impact on the team's structure than previously understood. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Coffey's departure might be exposing vulnerabilities within the Oilers' defensive framework.

"How much was Paul Coffey holding the Oilers together?" Seravalli questioned, hinting at previously unreported friction. He suggested that Coffey's "hard edge" may have led to clashes with other members of the coaching staff. While Coffey is known for his direct and opinionated approach, this is the first indication of potential discord within the Oilers' coaching ranks.

The departure of Glen Gulutzan, who took the head coaching job with the Dallas Stars, also contributes to the changes impacting the 2025-26 roster. While both coaching losses may have an impact, the defense is arguably the more pressing issue, and Coffey was known as a "blue line whisperer".

These changes follow back-to-back seasons where the Oilers fell short of winning the Stanley Cup, losing to the Florida Panthers in six games in 2025 and seven games in 2024. The team has brought in new faces to address these shortcomings, including Paul McFarland as a power-play specialist, Peter Aubry as the new goaltending coach, and Connor Allen in a skills development role. Mark Stuart's contract was also extended, with Stuart assuming responsibility for the defensemen in addition to his penalty kill duties.

The Oilers' power play, which had been among the league's best, experienced a decline last season, while their penalty kill was mediocre. These areas will need to improve if the team hopes to return to the Stanley Cup Final.

Head Coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged the need for change, particularly in the goaltending department. The team hopes that new goaltending coach Peter Aubry can bring a fresh perspective and help Stuart Skinner achieve more consistency. Knoblauch also emphasized the importance of open communication with Coffey, who will continue to provide insights on the team's performance.

As the Oilers move forward with a revamped coaching staff, the lingering questions about the previous dynamic underscore the complexities of team management and the importance of cohesion behind the bench.