Paul Coffey, the Hall of Fame defenceman, is making a comeback to the Edmonton Oilers coaching staff, where he previously served for two years as the head of the team’s defense. After stepping down from that role, he took a position as a special adviser to ownership and hockey operations, a role he held until recently. Coffey is rejoining the team amidst their current struggles defensively, as they rank low in goals allowed per game this NHL season with 3.29 goals against.

During Coffey's prior tenure with the Oilers starting in November 2023, the team showcased marked improvement, allowing an average of 2.78 goals per game, which placed them fifth in the league during that time. His defensive strategies and insights were crucial to transforming the team’s defensive play and are expected to bring about positive changes once again as he returns to the bench. The Oilers currently hold the second position in the Pacific Division, trailing the Vegas Golden Knights and just ahead of the Seattle Kraken and Los Angeles Kings, showcasing the competitive nature of the league.

The return of a prominent figure such as Coffey signals the franchise’s commitment to maintaining a strong team performance and possibly addressing their current weaknesses. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if his presence can help turn around the season for the Oilers and position them better for a potential playoff berth in the upcoming months. This news underscores the organizational efforts to reinforce their coaching staff with experienced players as they navigate the regular season challenges and pursue success in the NHL postseason.