Paul Coffey Returning to the Edmonton Oilers' Bench Would Be a Big Vote of Confidence

Paul Coffey helped the Edmonton Oilers' defensemen gain confidence when filling in on assistant coach duties last season. A report suggests he's willing to return to his role.

Hockey Hall of Famer Paul Coffey could be back as an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers after all.

Coffey, who joined the Oilers as a defense coach last November, is likely to return for another season, according to Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. 

The 63-year-old reportedly discussed his future with CEO Jeff Jackson this week and seems poised to continue his role, defying initial expectations that his stint would be temporary.

Coffey, also an advisor to Oilers owner Daryl Katz, was initially brought in to support rookie NHL coach Kris Knoblauch. Despite saying at his hiring press conference he originally did not want the job, Coffey's passion for the Oilers helped lead him to step into the role.

Although Coffey has successful businesses in the Greater Toronto Area – including a car dealership, a car wash business and a partnership with a storage business – and a comfortable advisory position with the Oilers, his return to coaching was driven by his love for the game and the team. 

His unexpected transition from advisor to coach paid off, as he contributed to the Oilers' remarkable run to the Stanley Cup final. His potential return signals a strong vote of confidence in the team’s trajectory and his belief in their potential to win it all.

If he returns in 2024-25, he will reunite with Glen Gulutzan, Mark Stuart and Knoblauch, maintaining the coaching staff's chemistry, which played a key role in the team's success.

Coffey's unconventional but effective coaching style won praise, particularly for his ability to connect with his blueliners. 

"I enjoyed it," Coffey said, highlighting his efforts to help defensemen move the puck quicker and make plays. His approach brought a sense of calm and ownership to the defense, which was instrumental in the team's deep playoff run.

"The defense is awesome; they’re all good," Coffey said, according to the Journal report. "Were there ups and downs in players’ games? Absolutely. As a coach, you have to be there for them, good or bad. I think they enjoyed a different approach.” 

His influence was and will be particularly important in players like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, whom he supported through their struggles, and Philip Broberg, whose playoff performance showcased his potential for a full-time NHL role.

"His ability to read the game and watch the game – he doesn't really need much film," Nurse told NHL on TNT before an Oilers Western Conference final game in May. "It seems like he's got a photogenic memory, and after every game, he's writing down each moment. He's got a great grasp of the group, too, and is always preaching confidence and just wants our group to grow and grow each day."

Evan Bouchard also benefitted from having Coffey around for his breakout campaign, recording 64 assists and 82 points in 81 games. Bouchard also broke Coffey's NHL record of most assists in a post-season by a blueliner, with 26 in 25 games.

"He's been helping me out since I first got drafted here," Bouchard told reporters last December. "Behind the bench, he's very positive. He's been harping on every single one of us on the back end to make plays, and I think it's given us a lot more confidence to do that."

Coffey’s excitement about the Oilers and the opportunity to work closely with superstar Connor McDavid every day fuels his commitment. With Coffey's guidance, the Oilers' defense will look to build on their achievements and take the next step toward a championship.

Coffey may have viewed last season as a one-and-done, but when you get that close and enjoy the experience that much, it’s easy to see why he’s up for giving it another go. 

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