Oilers announce coaching change, Paul Coffey speaks on his return to the bench
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images
Paul Coffey is officially re-joining the Oilers coaching staff to run their defence.
The Edmonton Oilers were heavily rumoured to be considering a coaching change after the Olympics due to their disappointing season so far, especially on the blue line. They had great results the last two seasons under the watch of franchise legend Paul Coffey, and now he’s returning to take care of unfinished business.
Paul Coffey is returning to run Oilers defence after Olympic break
The Oilers officially announced the move this morning during Team Canada’s game against Czechia.
Coffey provided a quote for the Oilers in the press release, expressing his excitement to get behind the bench for the final stretch of the season and help whip the defence into shape.
After losing in the Cup Final the last two years, the 3-time Champion Coffey clearly feels some unfinished business is there, and he believes he can help push them over the hump.
I'm excited to return and work alongside Kris and the entire staff. With 24 games left in the season, there is ample time to build on the many positives and build momentum for another long playoff run.
- Paul Coffey
- Paul Coffey
There was multiple reports of some friction between Knoblauch and Coffey as reports surfaced that a return to the bench was possible. NHL insiders made it clear that Coffey and Knoblauch butted heads at times in the last two years.
However, it seems the two have reconciled their differences and will work together to regain the results of last year. Coach Knoblauch also expressed hope that Coffey will be able to get the defence back on track.
I have been in regular contact with Paul since last summer and I believe we will benefit both as a team and as a staff from his return at this time.
- Kris Knoblauch
- Kris Knoblauch
With Coffey taking over the defence, it’s unclear what role current blue-line and penalty kill coach Mark Stuart will take on. Perhaps Coffey will serve as an assistant, but at the very least, he’ll be a loud and important voice in the Oilers locker room. He’s one of very few people who have experience winning in Edmonton with a superstar-filled roster.
Since January 1st, the Oilers rank 25th in goals against and 26th in penalty killing across the NHL. Coffey has his work cut out for him to get them back into playoff shape.
Now that the Oilers once again have their ‘A’ coaching staff back together, we’ll see very soon after the Olympic break if Coffey can get more out of the defence and take them back to the Cup Final.
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