Paul Coffey reportedly unhappy with Oilers management over Evander Kane trade

Paul Coffey served on the Oilers bench as a defence coach for the last two seasons, but fans already knew him well from his 3 Stanley Cup wins with the Oilers and legendary NHL career. He won't be a coach anymore at 64 years old, but will be an organizational advisor.

According to a new report from the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast, Paul Coffey thought that trading Evander Kane was the wrong decision given his role on the team and connection to the city of Edmonton.

Despite the trade to Vancouver, Kane is also reportedly staying in Edmonton in a recently-built custom home. He'd grown to love the city and wants to call it a long-term home for his young family. After his contract expires next season, Kane may be willing to return to the Oilers on a cheaper deal.

Kane did play a key role for the Oilers as a power forward with scoring ability, a skillset that was especially valuable in the playoffs. Injuries held him back in the last two seasons with the Oilers, but at his best Kane was a playoff X-Factor, and effective in his agitator role.

However, the Oilers needed to find ways to clear salary cap space to pay for the contract extensions to Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard kicking in this season. Not many other players had limited trade protection, so moving Kane was easiest for the Oilers to do.

Coffey may not like the decision, but at the end of the day, it was a trade the Oilers had to make.