Oilers coach Knoblauch speaks on changing out assistant coaches

In their places, assistant coaches Paul McFarland, Conor Allen, and new goalie coach Peter Aubry will join the Oilers bench. However, Knoblauch didn't disparage the group departing the bench.

Paul Coffey is revered in Edmonton for his incredibly successful time with the Oilers as a player, and even as a mentor to this group of players - but it was time to make a change.

The Oilers defence saw some issues in the playoffs, including far too much ice time for Darnell Nurse and a focused increase on useless point shots. Knoblauch didn't mention either of this, and instead just wished the best for Coffey in his new role as an organizational advisor.

Additionally, Knoblauch was genuinely upset to see Dustin Schwartz leave. The Oilers coach said it was extremely difficult not to sign Schwartz to his 11th year, but ultimately decided a new perspective from a coach could improve their goalies' play - which he admitted was subpar at times.

The penalty kill was the only area Knoblauch called out for improvement, and it's a department headed by the only returning assistant coach, Mark Stuart. The Oilers will overhaul their personnel on the PK next year, hopefully with more youth and speed once again instead of veteran bottom sixers.

For now, all changes seem positive for the Edmonton Oilers. Now we'll just have to wait and see how they mesh with the team.