Oilers Hit Olympic Break Searching for Answers on Defense-and Behind the Bench
The NHL’s Olympic break couldn’t have come at a better time for the Edmonton Oilers. With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games underway, the league is on pause, giving teams a chance to reset. For Edmonton, that reset feels more like a lifeline.
The Oilers head into the three-week hiatus riding a three-game losing streak-an abrupt halt after a three-game win streak had fans thinking the team was turning a corner. Instead, the recent slide has them clinging to second place in the Pacific Division, and their grip on a playoff spot is loosening.
There’s no shortage of finger-pointing in Oil Country right now. The forward lines have seen tweaks, the goaltending tandem has been completely reshaped, but the spotlight is now squarely on the blue line-and the coaches responsible for it.
That scrutiny intensified after Leon Draisaitl’s postgame comments on Wednesday. While he didn’t name names, the frustration was clear, and fans have been quick to draw their own conclusions.
The loudest calls? They’re aimed at head coach Kris Knoblauch, with some demanding a change behind the bench.
But according to team insiders, any major shake-up may not be imminent.
Still, the buzz around a potential return of franchise legend Paul Coffey is growing louder.
Coaching Carousel: Is a Change Coming?
Longtime Oilers insider Bob Stauffer added fuel to the fire during a recent episode of Oilers Now. He zeroed in on the team’s coaching structure-specifically, the fact that the Oilers went from four coaches behind the bench last season to just three this year. That shift hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially with the team’s defensive play trending in the wrong direction.
Stauffer also dropped Coffey’s name into the conversation, calling attention to his “unique personality” and contrasting it with the current setup. Assistant coach Mark Stuart, who oversees the penalty kill and defensive units, has been under the microscope.
The numbers tell the story: Edmonton’s defensive metrics have cratered under Stuart’s watch. Several players have seen their individual defensive stats dip, and the team ranks among the league’s worst in expected goals against.
That’s not just a red flag-it’s a flashing neon sign.
It’s no surprise, then, that speculation is swirling about Coffey possibly returning to the bench. His previous stint as an assistant saw more stability on the back end, and fans remember that. Whether nostalgia or necessity, the idea of bringing Coffey back has picked up real momentum.
GM Stan Bowman’s Next Move?
General manager Stan Bowman hasn’t been shy about making changes. He’s already overhauled the goaltending situation and shuffled the forward lines in search of balance and consistency. But with the team still struggling to keep the puck out of their own net, the blue line-and those coaching it-could be next on the list.
The Olympic break offers a rare window of opportunity. Three weeks without games means three weeks to evaluate, reassess, and potentially retool. If there’s going to be a change, this is the time.
The Oilers still have the talent to make a push. But if they’re serious about contending, they’ll need more than just a hot streak from their stars. They need structure, accountability, and a defensive system that can stand up when the games tighten in the spring.
Whether that means a coaching change or simply a renewed focus behind the bench, one thing is clear: Edmonton can’t afford to waste this break.