The Edmonton Oilers' AHL goalie coach, Sylvain Rodrigue, has left the organization this offseason to join the Florida Panthers, seeking new coaching opportunities.
The Oilers' fanbase, which has witnessed Rodrigue's success in developing goaltenders, may have harbored hopes that he would replace the current NHL goalie coach, Dustin Schwartz. Schwartz, who has been with the team since 2014, has seen a mixed record with goalies under his tutelage, some of whom have struggled while wearing the Oilers' uniform. The idea of a change in the goalie coach position was appealing to many fans, especially after Schwartz's long tenure.
Instead, Rodrigue will be taking his expertise to the Florida Panthers, the team that recently defeated the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals. The move has left some Oilers fans frustrated, feeling that a prime candidate for change within their team has slipped away to a direct competitor.
Oilers fans will undoubtedly wish Sylvain Rodrigue luck in his new endeavor, but there is also a growing sentiment among them for a shake-up in their NHL goalie coaching staff. A fresh perspective might be just what the Oilers need, but for now, they'll have to watch Rodrigue bring his talent to the Panthers.