The Edmonton Oilers didn’t renew their goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz’s contract once it expired on June 30, thus ending his decade-long association with the team. The Oilers hired Schwartz in 2014 after they dismissed Frederic Chabot. Although he helped the team clinch a playoff spot seven times over the past ten years, the Oilers are actively looking for his replacement. In fact, they might just go beyond it.

Hockey enthusiast, podcaster, and former FOX Sports scout Evan Renaerts has caught the attention of Oilers fans. The insider reporter discussed the potential changes the Edmonton Oilers may make from a goaltending standpoint. He said, “The Edmonton Oilers management is reportedly nearing a decision regarding their goaltending coach, indicating a significant overhaul in that area of the coaching staff.” He also hinted at other major changes the Oilers might implement in the upcoming season.

Renaerts added that it is expected the organization will move beyond the traditional single goaltending coach model. The franchise may instead choose to invest more time and resources into establishing a comprehensive goaltending department. Lastly, he said, “This strategic shift aims to provide a more robust support system for their goalies, reflecting a commitment to enhanced development and performance in the crease.” The Oilers’ goaltending issue was a major topic of debate throughout the past season, especially during the playoffs.

In the Stanley Cup Final, we all saw how the Panthers dominated the Oilers. One key reason the Canadian team lost the series was their shaky situation in goal. “It’s not an easy decision. We’ve got two goalies that have shown they can play extremely well, win hockey games, and we feel that no matter who we choose, they can win the game,” head coach Kris Knoblauch had said ahead of Game 6. He ended up going with Stuart Skinner for the game, who went on to concede 3 goals before being pulled off the ice. And it’s not like Calvin Pickard had done much better either, having let in 4 goals in the previous game.

But while both goalies struggled, it seems like the Oilers believe that the solution may not lie in replacing them, which is perhaps why they are looking to carry out a major overhaul in the coaching department. And guess what? An NHL analyst thinks it’s about time that the Canadian time took such a step.

Why Edmonton Oilers may be spot on with their approach

On June 28, the Oilers GM, Stan Bowman, was asked about the possibility of adding a new goalie. His reply was, “We’re not at the point where we’re definitely bringing in new goalies. It could make sense to keep this group. It’s about finding that sweet spot.” But while clearly stating that he isn’t actively pursuing a new goalie, the GM also mentioned that he’s evaluating options across all positions. Who knows? Maybe those ‘positions’ include coaching positions as well. And if that is the case, perhaps no one will be more in agreement with the Oilers than Oilers Nation‘s Jason Gregor.

Gregor recently shared his thoughts on the team’s goaltending coaching situation. He strongly suggested that the organization should build a legitimate and structured goalie department. Yes, it does not guarantee success, but considering the Oilers have quite a few young goalies in the organization—Connor Ungar, Samuel Jonsson, Nathaniel Day, and draft picks Eemil Vinni and Daniel Salnen—it only makes sense to try and develop some of them into proper NHLers. Gregor also emphasized that this franchise is currently one of the richest in the league, both financially and talent-wise, and now is definitely not the time to cut corners when it comes to investing in a proper, well-rounded goaltending department.

So, who are the top candidates for the goaltending coach position in the Oilers organization? Among the names being discussed, Ian Clark, who has worked extensively with the Vancouver Canucks; Sean Burke, a former NHL goaltender who last played for the Los Angeles Kings in 2007 and is currently the Vegas Golden Knights’ Director of Goaltending; and Stéphane Waite, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks. There is no doubt the Oilers are urgently searching for a new coach, but they should not overlook these highly experienced and well-respected options as they aim to strengthen their goaltending foundation.