Paul Coffey is returning to the Edmonton Oilers bench. The team confirmed on Wednesday that the 64-year-old Hall of Famer will rejoin the coaching staff as an assistant coach this Friday, just as the Oilers look to shake off a rough stretch defensively. And head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the move.
Oilers’ HC Gets Real on Paul Coffey’s Return
Coffey’s return comes amid defensive struggles that have seen Edmonton rank 25th in the NHL in goals allowed per game (3.29). During his previous coaching stint from 2023 to 2025, the Oilers allowed just 2.78 goals per game, the fifth-best mark in the league. He had been serving as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations since July.
Despite sitting second in the Pacific Division, four points behind Vegas and one ahead of Seattle and Los Angeles, the Oilers lost their last three games before the Olympic break. It included a 7-3 blowout to Minnesota, a 5-2 loss to Toronto, and a 4-3 loss to Calgary. Coffey’s return is aimed at addressing those defensive cracks.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch shared his thoughts on bringing Coffey back: “I think he can offer a lot to our group. Right now, I think we need a little jolt, a little something, to change the direction of where our team has been going.”
Knoblauch highlighted the respect he has for Coffey, noting that, although they hadn’t known each other before, their previous time working together showed they could maximize players’ potential. “With him coming back, I think he’ll give us that jolt, and I think he’ll add some new perspectives,” Knoblauch said.
“I have been talking throughout the season, through stretches of good and bad, and where our team is at right now we are just okay. And we need something to push us over, and I think Paul will help us,” Knoblauch added.
READ: Inconsistent Oilers Pull An About-Face, Bring Hall of Fame D-Man Back to Kris Knoblauch’s Bench
Coffey also expressed excitement about his return: “I’m excited to return and work alongside Kris and the entire staff,” he said. “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.”
Oilers players have already felt Coffey’s impact in practice, praising his presence and leadership. Defenseman Walman said,
“He’s definitely a figure behind the bench that a lot of people respect and look up to. He’s got that… aura when you walk in the room.”
Edmonton will face the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 25Â after the Olympic break, with Coffey officially back in the fold.
