Oilers' goalie coaching carousel continues: Sylvain Rodrigue departs for Florida
Earlier this season, the Edmonton Oilers faced a significant shake-up within their coaching staff, particularly affecting their goaltending development.
Sylvain Rodrigue, the highly respected AHL goalie coach, decided to leave the organization, seeking fresh opportunities elsewhere. This move has stirred various reactions among the Oilers' faithful, especially considering the team's recent struggles in goaltending performance.
According to a recent revelation by Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal, Rodrigue is set to continue his coaching career with the Florida Panthers. Although it remains uncertain whether he will join the NHL team or their AHL affiliate, his departure marks a significant loss for the Oilers.
Since joining the Oilers for the 2018-19 season, Rodrigue has been instrumental in nurturing talent from the minor leagues. Under his guidance, goaltenders such as Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard, and Olivier Rodrigue have shown notable improvements. Notably, Sylvain Rodrigue also shares a personal connection with Olivier Rodrigue, who is not only one of the Oilers' top goalie prospects but also his son.
The contrast between Rodrigue's success and the tenure of the current Oilers' NHL goalie coach, Dustin Schwartz, has been stark. Schwartz, who has been with the team since 2014, has overseen a period where many goaltenders have arguably turned in some of their career-worst performances. This ten-year stretch has left many fans and commentators suggesting that a new approach might be overdue.
As Rodrigue steps into his new role with the Panthers, Oilers fans are left reflecting on what might have been and what the future holds. Many are likely wishing him success in his new endeavor while simultaneously hoping for a revitalized goalie coaching strategy back home. The shift signifies a pivotal moment for the Oilers as they aim to rebuild and enhance their goaltending corps, a crucial component for any team eyeing Stanley Cup aspirations.
Source for all stats:
PuckPedia - Edmonton Oilers Coaches
| POLL | ||
Do you believe Dustin Schwartz should be fired by the Oilers? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 71.4 % |
| No | 12 | 21.4 % |
| See Results | 4 | 7.1 % |
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