Paul Coffey Returns to Oilers Coaching Role, Emphasizes Team Effort Over Savior Narrative
Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey has made a notable return to the Edmonton Oilers' coaching staff, but he is quick to dismiss any notion that he is arriving as a heroic savior for the struggling team. In his first public comments since the announcement, Coffey emphasized that the true savior for the Oilers is currently competing overseas.
"The Only Saviour We've Got"
"The only saviour we've got is playing for the gold medal in Milan right now. There's your saviour, Connor McDavid," Coffey stated with a laugh during a recent press conference. The legendary player, who was named one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history, is returning to coach the Oilers' defense alongside assistant Mark Stuart.
Coffey's return comes after he stepped away from his coaching role last summer following two seasons with the team. During his absence, Stuart assumed full responsibilities for the defensive unit while head coach Kris Knoblauch made several other coaching changes, including bringing in Paul MacFarland to oversee forwards and the power play.
An Emotional Return to Edmonton
The connection between Coffey and the Oilers organization runs deep, with the coach describing an emotional moment upon his recent return to the city. "When I came back for the pro scouting meetings a few weeks ago, I was driving from the airport to downtown and something did go off in me," Coffey recalled. "It's hard to explain... a lot of people don't understand it. But there's something here."
This sentiment echoes the familiar hockey adage "once an Oiler, always an Oiler" that Coffey acknowledges might sound corny but holds true for his relationship with the franchise.
Coaching Philosophy and Team Challenges
Coffey clarified that his role is not to reinvent the team's defensive systems but to work within the existing framework. "I'm just coming in to do what I do best, get the players (defence) ready to play. The players decide everything. If you put the players in positions to succeed, they will decide things... whether they get out there (on the ice) again, or not," he explained.
The Oilers face significant defensive challenges this season, having allowed an average of 3.29 goals per game compared to 2.87 and 2.88 during Coffey's previous two coaching seasons. This defensive regression comes as the team faces increased competition in the Pacific Division, with Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose all challenging for position.
Systemic Issues Beyond Defense
According to multiple scouts observing Oilers games, the defensive struggles extend beyond just the defensemen. There are concerns that forwards have been leaving the defensive zone too quickly in transition, forcing defensemen to make longer, more difficult passes rather than simpler plays. This systemic issue requires attention from the entire coaching staff as the team prepares for the final 24 games of the season.
Coffey returns to a coaching role after spending time as an advisor to owner Daryl Katz, assessing hockey operations. He now finds himself back in familiar surroundings, living in a downtown hotel and wearing Oilers gear daily. "He's not here to step on anybody's toes; he just wants to coach," the report notes, highlighting Coffey's missed connection to coaching during his time away from the bench.
Looking Ahead
As the Oilers navigate the remainder of their season with playoff positioning at stake, Coffey's return brings experience and stability to the coaching staff. His presence alongside Stuart provides the defensive unit with multiple perspectives and approaches as they work to improve their performance down the stretch.
The team's success will ultimately depend on collective effort rather than any individual savior, a point Coffey emphasized repeatedly during his remarks. With Connor McDavid representing Canada internationally and Coffey focusing on defensive improvements, the Oilers hope to build momentum as they approach the postseason.
