Paul Coffey isn't arriving as a knight in shining armor to rescue the Edmonton Oilers. Instead, he's stepping back into a familiar role, coaching the defense alongside Mark Stuart. Coffey, a Hall of Famer and one of the top 100 players of all time, is returning to the bench after a brief hiatus, while Connor McDavid is busy chasing gold in Milan.
During a recent trip for pro scouting meetings, Coffey felt a pull back to the team. "It's hard to explain," he shared, reflecting on his drive from the airport. "There's something special here."
Coffey missed the coaching life and had meaningful discussions with head coach Kris Knoblauch before deciding to return. "I'm here to do what I do best-prepare the defense. The players ultimately decide their fate on the ice," Coffey explained, emphasizing his role in setting them up for success.
There may have been a disconnect after the Oilers' second loss to Florida in the Stanley Cup final, leading to some coaching changes. Knoblauch had moved Stuart up and brought in new staff, including Paul MacFarland and Peter Aubry. But now, Coffey is back, ready to contribute again.
The Oilers are struggling defensively, allowing 3.29 goals per game, a jump from the previous seasons under Coffey. It's not just the defensemen at fault; forwards need to support more, as scouts have noted their tendency to leave the zone too quickly, forcing risky long passes.
Coffey, who had been advising owner Daryl Katz, is now focused on the last 24 games. Living downtown and donning Oilers gear, he's eager to coach without stepping on toes, simply doing what he loves.