A former Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach is making his return to the NHL.
The Edmonton Oilers announced on Monday that Paul McFarland would be joining the team’s coaching staff, where it’s expected he will run the club’s power play.
McFarland joined the Maple Leafs coaching staff as an assistant under Mike Babcock ahead of the 2019-20 season to optimize the club’s power play. Although McFarland didn’t see success with the Leafs' man advantage until after Babcock was replaced as bench boss by Sheldon Keefe midseason, the power play improved significantly, going from 17.6 percent before Babcock to 23.1 percent and a sixth overall ranking. During that time, he unlocked Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner by installing them on their off-wing during man-advantage situations.
McFarland spent just one season in Toronto, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pause in play, McFarland announced that he would become head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL at the conclusion of the season.
Last season, the Oilers finished with the 12th-best power play in the NHL. While this is good, it's probably not where it should be when you have superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at your disposal.
Before joining Toronto, McFarland got his first taste of the NHL as an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers for two seasons. He then spent three seasons as an assistant with the Seattle Kraken before spending last season as head coach of the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.
McFarland has long stated his ambition is to become an NHL head coach one day. He certainly has the experience to make it happen someday soon. If he can find some success with the Oilers this season, he could get some consideration down the road. Leafs fans will likely remember him for his key role in unlocking the offensive potential of their top stars on the man advantage.
(Top image credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)
