Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe (L) and assistant coach Paul McFarland (R) in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/0dcfd579-b668-4250-bab6-2711397ab2eb.jpeg] Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe (L) and assistant coach Paul McFarland (R) in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The Edmonton Oilers have hired former Florida Panthers assistant coach Paul McFarland as an assistant coach. McFarland received his first bit of NHL experience with the Panthers, spending two seasons behind their bench. When McFarland was with the organization, the Panthers' head coach was Bob Boughner, and McFarland was accompanied by Jack Capuano and Ben Cooper. Prior to joining the Panthers, the 39-year-old worked as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL [http://thn.com/ohl], receiving roles with Team Canada at the U-17s and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial. Upon leaving the Panthers, McFarland accepted roles with the Toronto Maple Leafs [http://thn.com/toronto] as an assistant coach and, after one season there, returned to the Frontenacs. His return to the Frontenacs lasted just one season as well, as he made the jump back into the NHL, reuniting with Dave Hakstol, who had been hired by the Seattle Kraken [http://thn.com/seattle] to be their first head coach. The pair had previously worked together as assistant coaches with the Maple Leafs. His final move before joining the Oilers was as the head coach of the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL [http://thn.com/whl]. Now, McFarland will embark on his newest journey, returning to the NHL and joining the Panthers' newest rivals. With the Oilers, McFarland is expected to run the offence and the power play. He'll have Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard at his disposal. The Oilers also welcomed a new goalie coach, Peter Aubry and a new skills coach, Conor Allen.
