Multiple Oilers speak out about coaching change, Knoblauch reveals Coffey’s new duties
The Edmonton Oilers officially made the move to bring back Coach Paul Coffey today, which has made the players happy - but some tension with the coaching staff.
The Oilers formally announced Coffey’s return earlier today, with Coffey himself expressing excitement at re-joining the team. He was an extremely effective coach in the last two seasons, and is now back to finish some unfinished business.
Oilers defencemen speak out about Coffey’s return to coaching staff
Three Oilers defenceman spoke to the media today, and all three had huge praise for Coffey’s impact as a coach and in the locker room. Every defender respects his resume, and appreciates his perspective on the game and his familiarity in the room.
WALMAN: There’s some value that Coffey brings to the table. We’ve been through it with him before. It’s Paul Coffey. It’s a figure behind the bench that a lot of people respect and look up to. Aura when he walks into the room.
EKHOLM: It’s an injection of energy. He’s obviously a very good communicator, and his resume speaks for itself. We’re excited to have him back. He sees the game in a way probably not a lot of other human beings do.
BOUCHARD: It’s valuable for everyone. He’s been around for a while, knows everyone on the back end. It’s helpful to bring him in rather than someone who doesn’t understand the dynamic. Always in touch [with Coffey].
EKHOLM: It’s an injection of energy. He’s obviously a very good communicator, and his resume speaks for itself. We’re excited to have him back. He sees the game in a way probably not a lot of other human beings do.
BOUCHARD: It’s valuable for everyone. He’s been around for a while, knows everyone on the back end. It’s helpful to bring him in rather than someone who doesn’t understand the dynamic. Always in touch [with Coffey].
However, some Oilers insiders have reported that Coffey’s return isn’t popular with some other figures around the team - including the existing coaching staff. For whatever reason, they don’t want Coffey’s influence in the room.
It’s possible that Coffey has so much pull and influence with the team being a former superstar, and different ideas than the rest of the coaching staff, that they view him as disruptive to the messaging they’re trying to install with the team.
But the results speak for themselves. The Oilers have tanked to bottom-10 in the NHL among key defensive rankings since January 1st. These weren’t issues when Coffey was with the team, and it’s the exact same defence core aside from Brett Kulak. As solid as Kulak was, he wasn’t the sole reason the Oilers defence had success the last 2 years.
Coach Knoblauch himself has confirmed that Coffey will take over the defence coach duties from assistant Mark Stuart. Now, Stuart will be heading the penalty kill, and contribute elsewhere when he can.
The addition of Coffey shows the Oilers at least recognize their season hasn’t been up to par. Hopefully the return of their franchise legend on the bench can raise their level of play, and bring their results back to Stanley Cup calibre.
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