Oilers Fans Divided Over Behind-The-Bench Change Amid Team’s 4-4-1 Start

The Edmonton Oilers’ sluggish 4-4-1 start to the 2025–26 season has sparked debate among fans about what—or who—is to blame. One popular theory circulating on social media is that assistant coach Paul Coffey’s absence from the bench has left the team disorganized. It’s an interesting theory given the struggles on the blue line. Still, not everyone is buying it.

NHL prospect (specifically Oilers prospects) afficiaondo Bruce Curlock pointed out on X, “If your position is that Paul Coffey’s absence is the reason the team is only 4-4-1 through nine games, DO NOT look at the record through the first nine games last season.” He added that while there are things to critique, “suggesting Paul Coffey is a difference-maker isn’t one of them.”

Part of the issue is the Oilers’ poor defense. Evan Bouchard is struggling mightily and both Darnell Nurse and Mattias Ekholm don’t look like they are themselves.

Curlock believes (as did some others in the thread of his post) that deeper issues are at play.

Some pointed to the high number of offseason changes—both on the roster and behind the bench—as the real culprit. “Experience traded for inexperience,” wrote @edgs1803, noting the departures of veterans like Evander Kane, Connor Brown, and Corey Perry, along with coaching changes that included Coffey and Glen Gulutzan (Dallas Stars head coach).

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Several fans highlighted inconsistent goaltending as a persistent concern. “The Oilers have one problem—then, now, and for the future,” posted @McCrossCheck. “And that’s between the pipes.” Neither Stuart Skinner nor Calvin Pickard is in the bottom 10 for goals above expected, but both would like to be just a little bit better.

Others have noted frustration over how head coach Kris Knoblauch is managing the lineup. “Why won’t Knoblauch let the lines settle?” asked @Mithex. The Oilers have changes lines so much that no one has any comfort level or continuity throughout the top nine.

Some stayed positive, suggesting it’s too early to suggest the sky is falling. “Everyone needs to relax,” wrote @KWG201542. “It is a long season.”

With underlying metrics looking worse than last year’s early stretch—particularly the Ekholm-Bouchard pairing’s 1-8 goal differential—fans’ anxiety is understandable. But whether the Oilers’ problems stem from Coffey’s absence, roster turnover, or simple bad luck, one thing is certain: Edmonton’s search for stability continues.

Next: “Trial” Forward’s Breakout Game Might Have Saved His Spot with the Oilers